A YORK barbershop has been ordered to shut until July 17 unless owners can prove they are following Covid safety rules, the council says.

City of York Council says it has taken further action against Q Gentlemens Barbers in Bishopthorpe Road following further complaints from residents about the business allegedly not following Covid rules.

The council has now issued 12 fixed penalty notices to Q Gentlemens Barbers at 31 Bishopthorpe Road under Covid rules - totalling £33,000 in fines. A spokesperson for the council says the fines have not yet been paid.

The council ordered the barbershop to temporarily shut down between May 13 and May 20 - but has now extended this order.

Matt Boxall, head of public protection at the council, said: “Thank you to the overwhelming majority of businesses who are working hard to make their premises safe.

"We continue to support all businesses offering them advice and information to help people stay safe and to keep York open.

“Last week, to protect the public from infection risks and to address repeated breaches of Covid rules, we served a direction on Q Gentlemens Barbers York of 31 Bishopthorpe Road, York. This required them to close from 6pm on 13 May 2021 to 6pm on 20 May 2021 so that they could put in place the necessary Covid safety measures.

“We are taking an escalated approach as required by the regulations. As such, following a number of complaints and due to continued non-compliance, yesterday (20 May 2021) we served a further direction on the business and its two directors, Mr Ryan Cross and Mr Dylan Bell. This requires them to close the premises until 11.50pm on 17 July 2021 when the current regulations expire or until they can demonstrate satisfactorily that they have complied with the requirements of coronavirus legislation.

“These regulations are being followed by every other hairdresser in order to keep staff and customers safe. It is deeply frustrating that we are having to continue to work with Q Gentlemens Barbers in this way. Fixed penalty tickets also issued to them and designed to resolve matters without them becoming criminal convictions in court, also remain unpaid. Compliance is undoubtedly better for public safety and for business.

“Thank you to all who are reporting breaches. Please continue to alert us by emailing public.protection@york.gov.uk or phoning: 01904 551525."