A tattoo parlour in Bristol has been handed a £1,000 fine after repeatedly breaking England’s lockdown rules.
Under current government restrictions, non-essential businesses, including tattoo parlours and hairdressers, are not allowed to trade. The guidelines are in place until December 2.
Holey Skin, on Gloucester Road, was issued with the fixed penalty notice after evidence emerged of the shop’s owner operating during the national lockdown.
The news comes just days after Bristol City Council confirmed its officers had visited 500 businesses in just five days following reports of breaches.
Council enforcement officers, supported by officers from Avon and Somerset Police, entered Holey Skin on Friday, November 13, following a breach of a prohibition notice and after securing a warrant from the courts.
According to the local authority, police officers had repeatedly asked the owner to comply with regulations and issued the prohibition notice after attempts to negotiate with the business failed.
Councillor Steve Pearce, cabinet member for waste, commercialisation and regulatory services, said: “I recognise the pressure businesses face right now, both those required to close during lockdown and those allowed to remain open.
“Public health advice and Government legislation in relation to Covid-19 lockdown are in place to protect individuals and communities, not damage businesses.
“We are working with businesses and individuals to ensure they get access to the support they are entitled to.
“We must however challenge behaviour that puts people at risk and will work with our partners in the police to do so where appropriate.”
Since March 2020, the council has issued two closure notices and eight fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid-19 guidelines.
