Barnsley Council shuts down uncompliant business
Barnsley Council’s Regulatory services have served a Notice to a Barnsley business under the new Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.
Following up on a complaint regarding the business operating as a nursery and garden centre, which was required to close under the new regulations, the service provided two clear warnings, as well as advice on what the service needed in order to comply and operate safely.
Despite the warnings and advice, the company maintained its operation without meeting the required safety measures, forcing Regulatory Services to serve a legal notice on the business. If the business continues to operate outside of the regulations now the notice has been served, they will be prosecuted.
Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “Whilst the vast majority of businesses in Barnsley that have remained open are following regulations and advice to work safely, it is disappointing that a small number are choosing to ignore the threat of Coronavirus.
“We appreciate this is a difficult time for businesses, but the regulations were brought in to respond to the serious and imminent threat that Coronavirus poses to public health.
“We’re doing what we can to support business in our borough and In the first instance, advice and support will be offered to help businesses comply with the regulations. However, we will not hesitate to take action against those who break the law.”
Anybody wanting to report a business for not adhering to the new regulations can do so by visiting the Barnsley Council Website: barnsley.gov.uk/services/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-coronavirus-advice-and-guidance/report-a-business-not-complying-with-covid-19-coronavirus-closure-restrictions/ or by emailing regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk
Further information regarding business support, including what businesses should be closed, how to report a business can be found at Enterprising Barnsley: enterprisingbarnsley.co.uk/covid-19-coronavirus/