The owner of a barber shop has paid a £1,000 fine after they flouted coronavirus rules and kept their business open under Tier 4 restrictions.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said the business “put both its staff and the local community at risk” by failing to close under the lockdown like measures, which had previously been in force before a full national lockdown was implemented on January 6.

Watford Borough Council says its Environmental Health officers had visited the barber shop after concerns were raised by members of the public.

Officers found evidence that the business had carried on operating despite being told they should close under Tier 4 measures, the council said.

The evidence collected at the time was then used to issue a fixed penalty notice under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations for failing to close the licensed premises whilst Watford was required to keep to Tier 4 restrictions .

The council spoke to the owner, who admitted the offence. A £1,000 fine has now been paid to the council.

Like under the Tier 4 measures, barbers and hairdressers should still be closed under current national lockdown restrictions.

Watford Observer: Mayor Peter TaylorMayor Peter Taylor

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “This business put both its staff and the local community at risk and it’s unacceptable they ignored the restrictions. We have been working really hard with the police to keep our residents and businesses safe during the current lockdown. We understand that this is a difficult time for businesses, however, the current restrictions are in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“It is irresponsible that a very small number of businesses continue to flout the law, taking a commercial advantage over those majority of responsible businesses who are operating legally and protecting our community.

“We are continuing to work proactively with local businesses and residents to bring the number of Covid-19 cases down in Watford. Cases will only drop if we follow the health advice and stick to safe working practises. The restrictions clearly show which businesses must close and financial support is available for those businesses affected.”

So far in Watford seven £1,000 fines have been issued to cafes, pubs and barbers.

The council says it will be preparing prosecution cases against businesses that have not paid their fixed penalty notices.