Barber Fined After Defying Lockdown in Swindon
A barber in Swindon has been slapped with a fine after flouting lockdown rules by cutting hair inside a van. The business had already received a prohibition notice and two police warnings for ignoring restrictions, but carried on regardless.
Police Spot Illegal Haircut in Action
A police community support officer from Swindon Area Community Policing Team was on patrol when he spotted the branded van. Approaching it, he found the barber mid-haircut in the back of the van. This blatant breach of Covid-19 rules didn’t go unnoticed.
Council and Police Crack Down on Rule Breakers
Intelligence was handed to Swindon Borough Council’s Trading Standards team. A joint visit by council officers and police on November 11 resulted in an official fine for the business.
Supt. Adrian Burt said: “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.”
