Business fined for continuing trading during Covid-19

Trading Standards officers from the Shared Regulatory Service have issued a £60 fixed penalty notice to a Bridgend County Borough business for continuing to trade during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The notice was issued after the business failed to comply with closure requirements in accordance with the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

The business - a barber shop - appeared to be closed, but was found to be offering appointments to customers by telephone and breaking requirements designed to safeguard people from the risk of exposure.

The Shared Regulatory Services will investigate all complaints of non-compliance during the outbreak. Anyone breaking the requirements is risking not only fixed penalties and potential legal action, but the health and wellbeing of staff and customers alike.

Councillor Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations

To date, local businesses have benefitted from more than £17.6m of business grant funding issued as part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 business support package with 1,369 applications processed so far.

Businesses can apply for a grant if they are eligible for small business rates relief in Wales and use premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less, or if they are a retail, leisure or hospitality business with a rateable value of £12,001 to £51,000.

You can find out more and apply online at the council website - remember to provide essential information such as the correct bank details and a copy of your bank statement.

Businesses are encouraged to check the council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) information page for regular updates, as well as Welsh Government and UK Government websites. If you have any business support queries, please email: business@bridgend.gov.uk