A barber shop in Widnes has been closed by the council after its staff refused to wear a facemask and visor.
Staff at Style Haircuts, in Albert Road, displayed a “blatant refusal” to abide by coronavirus regulations and wear the correct PPE when Halton Council officers visited the shop.
Council officers found all three staff not wearing PPE, which is mandatory for workers in “close contact” jobs like hairdressing.
Even when officers reminded staff about the requirement, the staff refused to put on masks or visors and they were still not wearing correct PPE when council officers returned later the same day, accompanied by Cheshire Police.
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A council spokesperson said: “Barbers, hairdressers and beauticians are in very close contact with dozens of customers every day. Wearing the appropriate protective equipment is essential to prevent transmission of the virus.
“The vast majority of Halton’s businesses are complying with the coronavirus restrictions and Covid-safe workplace requirements and are prepared to accept advice and guidance from council officers.
“However, where there is a blatant refusal to follow measures to protect the public the council will take appropriate enforcement action”.
An employee of the barber shop told the ECHO on Monday morning that they had done everything the council asked and intended to reopen in the afternoon.
However, they declined to comment on why staff had refused to wear PPE when told to by council officers.
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In other boroughs, consistent refusal to follow Covid-19 rules has seen some businesses rack up huge fines.
In Bradford, one hairdresser was fined £27,000 for repeatedly breaching lockdown rules. The owner incorrectly believed Magna Carta meant she did not have to follow the regulations.
Closer to Halton, a Bootle beauty salon, Skin Kerr, was repeatedly closed down by police and council staff for breaching regulations and remaining open in lockdown. Skin Kerr’s owners claimed Covid-19 did not exist.
The council says Style Haircuts must now remain closed until adequate safety measures have been put in place.
