Tattoo parlour in East Suffolk fined for failing to close during lockdown
A tattoo parlour in Pakefield has been fined £1,000 for failing to follow Government guidelines.
Following concerns raised by members of the public and working in partnership with Suffolk Police, East Suffolk Council's Environmental Health officers visited Art Eternal Tattoo Studio and determined that the business was open and tattooing customers when it should have been closed.
Tattoo studios were among the businesses told to close as England entered the second lockdown.
As a result of breaching the regulations, owner Christine McLean, has been given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £1,000 and a Prohibition Notice.
The Prohibition Notice orders her to close the parlour to protect against the risk to public health arising from coronavirus.
If she remains open and continues to operate, she will be guilty of a further offence.
Enforcement action was also taken by Suffolk Police as customers at the parlour were not wearing face coverings. By law, face coverings must be worn within certain indoor settings, including tattoo and piercing parlours.
Sgt Steve Wright said: “This action is a great example of partnership working.
"We’d re-iterate what we have said previously - people must comply to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed and to ensure lives are saved.
"We will engage with people sensibly, proportionately, fairly, and using the well-established 4Es approach of engaging, explaining, encouraging, enforcing. Any enforcement action has always been a last resort, but we will take it if deemed necessary.”
East Suffolk Council is urging businesses in the area to adhere to Government guidelines.
Cllr Mary Rudd, from the authority, said: "We understand that businesses want to remain open however the current restrictions are in place to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.
"The restrictions clearly show which businesses must close and financial support is available for those businesses affected. These are difficult times for everyone, but we must continue to stick to the rules to help keep people safe.”
You can find details of which businesses must remain closed until the 2nd December here.