Shocking footage shows customers fleeing a hair salon as it was raided by police for staying open despite the coronavirus lockdown.
Eight people can be seen running from Euphoria Tanning Hair and Beauty from the salon's fire exit after police entered the business.
One customer is clearly in the middle of having her hair treated as she has a towel draped over her shoulder and is wearing a plastic cap, Wales Online reports.
Gwent Police stormed the salon in Cwmbran on Saturday following reports it was still open and carrying out treatments.
When officers visited the salon they saw people going in through the front door but they were denied access.
After gaining entry, police found evidence which showed that tanning beds had recently been used and beauty treatments had been taking place.
The footage of eight people running away from the salon after leaving through the fire exit was caught on CCTV.
The business owner has been handed a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for failing to close the premises despite the current Welsh Government restrictions in place.
According to Torfaen Council this is the second time the business has been found to be breaching the coronavirus rules.
While three customers have also been fined for attending the salon, with police carrying out enquiries to identify the others who were present.
Torfaen Inspector Aled George said: “ This was a blatant breach of Covid-19 regulations. Businesses who flout the regulations are
behaving irresponsibly and putting the lives of their customers, staff and the wider community at risk.
"As this incident shows, we – together with our partners from Torfaen Council – will take action to keep the public safe.
"We will continue to take enforcement action against businesses and the public who breach Covid regulations.
"We understand this is a really difficult time for our communities, the majority of businesses and residents, are doing the right thing by adhering to Welsh Government regulations and we would like to thank them for their support.
" Coronavirus levels remain high across much of Gwent, and by following Welsh Government regulations we’re all saving lives and protecting the NHS.
"We will continue to engage, explain and encourage our communities to work together with us to keep everyone safe. Everyone has a part to play in stopping the spread of this virus."
Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment at Torfaen County Borough Council, added: "After reports of the tanning salon operating illegally, visits to the business have been undertaken by Gwent Police and the council’s Covid enforcement officers.
"It’s clear from the camera footage obtained following the latest visit that the business and customers were aware they were breaking lockdown restrictions putting themselves, others and the NHS at risk.
"Covid is still circulating in the borough and everyone knows it thrives on close contact, so it was highly irresponsible of the business owner and customers to continue visiting the salon."
She added: "Our Covid enforcement officers are working with businesses in the borough, offering advice to ensure they are Covid compliant.
"Fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and formal enforcement action requiring improvements are issued as a last resort if advice has not been adhered with.
"This is the second time the business has been issued with a fixed penalty notice. Public protection officers issued the first fixed penalty notice in June 2020.
"This is very disappointing. The vast majority of businesses have put measures in place to comply with the regulations, and are working really hard to keep their businesses running, whilst maintaining the safety of their staff and customers.
"We’d like to say thank you to all the businesses and residents who are doing the right thing and complying with the current lockdown."
