A Sandwell barbers has been given a Direction to impose specific requirements by Sandwell Council after failing to implement adequate control measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Citizen and Consumer Protection officers who visited 1st Class Turkish Barbers in Long Lane, Blackheath, found that staff and customers were not wearing the appropriate face coverings or visors, the owner had failed to display the mandatory QR code, and customer contact details were not being collected.

The council has now issued the business with a Direction under special coronavirus legislation – the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3.) Regulations 2020 – also gives powers to restrict access to, or close, individual premises, if there is a serious and imminent threat to public health. Councillor Maria Crompton, Sandwell Council’s deputy leader, said:

“Our Citizen and Consumer Protection Team had visited this particular business on a number of occasions and provided verbal and written advice about the actions the owner, staff and customers should be following.

“It’s simply not acceptable for businesses to ignore the law, which has been put in place to protect staff, customers and the wider community.

“We’ve been working with businesses across Sandwell throughout the pandemic and advised premises on Covid-19 safety measures. Our contact with businesses shows that most are implementing Covid-19 guidance to a high standard and have welcomed our advice and support, responding positively and working with us to keep everyone safe.”

The council's message is that if a shop, pub or restaurant isn’t keeping you safe – don’t go there. If you feel uncomfortable, go elsewhere.

The Direction came in to force on Friday 9 October, and will be in place until Tuesday 8 December 2020. It will be reviewed by the council every seven days.

People can report any breaches relating to businesses to: phcovid19_enquries@sandwell.gov.uk.