Greenwich barbers closed after flouting opening laws during coronavirus lockdown

A barber shop which flouted laws and stayed open during the coronavirus lockdown has now been closed.

On 23 March the government made orders to close non-essential businesses and premises including pubs and beauty salons under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020.

A task force from Greenwich council, which involves its CCTV, community safety enforcement and environmental health teams, has been set up to monitor and tackle non-compliant businesses and premises.

Cllr Jackie Smith, cabinet member for children’s services and community safety, said: “We all need to come together at a time like this and stay at home to help save lives, which means any non-essential businesses in the borough should remain closed for the time being.

“Non-essential businesses like pubs, car washes, barbers, and beauty and nail salons, should abide by the restrictions, as we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that are not following the rules.

“If you would like to report a non-essential business that remains open, please email tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

“Thank you to the majority of businesses in the borough for their compliance during this difficult time.”

The government has set out a package to support businesses through this period of disruption, and Greenwich council has already issued more than £5 million of the small business grant fund which the government has made available.

Businesses in Royal Greenwich can stay up to date with the latest information by signing up to the Council’s business e-alerts at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessalert.