A MOBILE hairdresser in Prescot who was working during the lockdown has been given a £1,000 fine.

Officers from Knowsley Council’s Environmental Health and Licensing Teams issued the fixed penalty notice to a mobile barber for the breach of COVID rules.

The business has been fined £1,000 for operating in breach of the lockdown restrictions as a result.

The action was taken after officers found the business was breaching rules put in place to try and stop the spread of coronavirus and help save lives.

Meanwhile, The Railway pub in Kirkby was also fined £1,000 for COVID breaches over the Christmas period, including serving alcohol without a substantial meal.

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Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods said: “Although COVID-19 rates in Knowsley are starting to show a slight reduction, we are still one of the worst affected areas in the country.

"The council has a crucial role to play, with other statutory partners, in ensuring our businesses follow Covid guidelines to keep our communities safe.

“Our teams are carrying out regular spot checks to ensure compliance with the regulations and where breaches are found, we will take action.

“These latest fines demonstrate that those who are found to be breaching legislation and potentially risking the lives of our residents will be punished.”

During the pandemic, Knowsley Council introduced a team of COVID-19 Prevention and Support Officers to support the Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Licensing teams.

Advice and support has been given to businesses in relation to the regulations. This includes details of the financial support available to those businesses that have been forced to close and ensuring that those businesses that can remain open, are operating in a COVID-secure manner.

Teams continue to work collaboratively with businesses. Residents can contact them with any concerns or issues they may have and any information received will be investigated.

  • Email environmental.health@Knowsley.gov.uk