Police Bust A Hair Salon Secretly Offering Treatments During Lockdown

A hair and beauty salon in south Wales has been fined for its breach of coronavirus rules when it opened during lockdown earlier this month.

Police raided Euphoria Tanning Hair and Beauty, in Cwmbran, Wales, on Saturday, January 16, after a tip-off.

In CCTV footage, eight customers can then be seen escaping the salon through the fire exit, which was open and operating despite the current restrictions.

Officers saw people entering the building through the front door and, after gaining entry, found that the salon's tanning beds had recently been used.

The business owner has now been given a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for failing to close the premises despite the current Welsh Government restrictions in place.

Three customers have also been fined for attending the salon, while police are carrying out enquiries to identify the others who were present.

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Inspector Aled George, of Gwent Police, said: "This was a blatant breach of Covid-19 regulations. Businesses who flout the regulations are behaving irresponsibly and putting the lives of their customers, staff and the wider community at risk.

"As this incident shows, we - together with our partners from Torfaen Council - will take action to keep the public safe. We will continue to take enforcement action against businesses and the public who breach Covid regulations."

He added: "We understand this is a really difficult time for our communities, the majority of businesses and residents, are doing the right thing by adhering to Welsh Government regulations and we would like to thank them for their support.

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"We will continue to engage, explain and encourage our communities to work together with us to keep everyone safe. Everyone has a part to play in stopping the spread of this virus."

Councillor Mandy Owen, of Torfaen County Borough Council, added: "It's clear from the camera footage obtained following the latest visit that the business and customers were aware they were breaking lockdown restrictions putting themselves, others and the NHS at risk.

"Covid is still circulating in the borough and everyone knows it thrives on close contact, so it was highly irresponsible of the business owner and customers to continue visiting the salon."

It's not the first time the salon has been issued with a fine for breaching regulations. Public protection officers also issued a fixed penalty notice to the owners in June 2020.

Cllr Owen added: "This is very disappointing. The vast majority of businesses have put measures in place to comply with the regulations, and are working really hard to keep their businesses running, whilst maintaining the safety of their staff and customers.

"We'd like to say thank you to all the businesses and residents who are doing the right thing and complying with the current lockdown."

Topics: Hair and Beauty, News, Coronavirus

Aneira Davies

Aneira Davies is a freelance lifestyle journalist with a particular interest in interiors and craft. She has written for the Evening Standard, Prima, House Beautiful and Good Housekeeping.

@aneiradavies