Two businesses in Burton upon Trent have been served prohibition notices for breaching Covid business closure regulations.
East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Environmental Health Team were alerted to a tanning salon and a car showroom that were continuing to operate, despite lockdown restrictions requiring the businesses to be closed.
Both businesses were instructed to close immediately and served with a Prohibition Notice for breaching regulations by remaining open. A member of the public found to be using the tanning solon was also issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice by the Police for breeching Covid Regulations.
Businesses that continue to breach restrictions will be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice (fine) starting at £1,000 for the first offence and rising to £10,000 upon repeat offences and/or a Prohibition Notice requiring closure of the business. Failure to comply with a Prohibition Notice may result in prosecution and an unlimited fine.
Councillor Bernard Peters, Deputy Leader for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “Since the start of lockdown, our officers have been vigilant in checking that local businesses and the public are following government rules and restrictions along with providing advice and guidance on which businesses can remain open.
“Whilst these are a challenging time for businesses, we have a duty to ensure that restrictions are being complied with to protect the public and reduce infection rates. Where businesses are clearly breaching these restrictions then enforcement action will be taken.”
Residents that have information about business premises that they feel should be closed under the current restrictions can report this to the Council. Businesses are also encouraged to contact the Council for help and advice if they are unsure whether their operations meet with the Regulations.
Please call 01283 508578 or email EHSupport@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk.
For details on what Covid-19 financial support is available to businesses please see https://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support.