A barber in Swindon has been fined £1,000 after defying lockdown rules by cutting hair inside a van. The business had previously received a prohibition notice and two police warnings but continued to operate regardless of the restrictions.
A police community support officer from the Swindon Area Community Policing Team was on patrol when he noticed the branded van. Upon approaching, the officer found the barber in the middle of a haircut inside the van, a clear breach of Covid-19 regulations.
Following this discovery, intelligence was passed to Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team. On November 11, a joint visit by council officers and police led to the issuance of an official fine to the business.
Superintendent Adrian Burt commented, “This business had been on our radar since the first national lockdown. Despite multiple warnings and prohibitions, they continued breaking the law at a time when many are making sacrifices. Enforcement action was necessary.”
Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, Councillor Cathy Martyn, added, “We understand businesses are struggling, but these restrictions exist to keep everyone safe and control the virus spread. Trading Standards will keep issuing prohibition notices where needed. If you spot rule breakers, report them at www.swindon.gov.uk/reportbusiness.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
