A BLACKHEATH barbers has been caught repeatedly ignoring coronavirus restrictions including the wearing of face masks.

1st Class Turkish Barbers in Long Lane, had been visited on a number of occasions by Sandwell Council officers, but failed to act on warnings to follow the guidelines.

It has now been issued with a 'direction to impose specific requirements' by Sandwell Council after failing to implement adequate control measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19) at its premises.

If the order is not acted on the shop could be closed.

Council officers found 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.

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.”

She added: “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 has issued the business with a Direction under special coronavirus legislation – which also gives powers to restrict access to, or close, individual premises, if there is a serious and imminent threat to public health.

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

It means that the barbers must display a QR code. All customers must be told to scan the QR code with a smartphone when they check in. If customers don’t have a smartphone, then the business must request certain contact details from them and must keep these records for 21 days to assist the NHS Test and Trace system.

Customers that refuse to scan the QR code or provide contact details must not be served.

A Type II mask and visor/goggles must be worn when providing close contact services and all customers must wear a suitable face covering when inside the premises, unless exempt as detailed in Government guidance.

A sign must be displayed to remind customers.

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.

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