What to do if you suspect businesses are breaching government guidance on closing

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Some businesses have been ordered to close due to the current coronavirus pandemic

From restaurants and pubs to hair and beauty salons and barbers, as of 23 March 2020, a number of businesses have been ordered to close due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Whilst there are exceptions to the closures, businesses and venues that breach government guidance will be subject to prohibition notices, and fixed penalties.

If prohibition notices are not followed, or fixed penalty notices not paid, this may result in business owners being taken to court with magistrates able to impose potentially unlimited fines.

If you believe that a business is breaching the guidance and operating when it shouldn’t be, you should report this to the local authority.

Mark Widdup, director of neighbourhoods at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Borough Council is working to ensure that everyone in our borough is doing what they can to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“We are communicating the crucial public health messages to our residents, and our public protection service is working with businesses and venues to ensure they comply with government guidance where possible.

“If you are aware of any businesses or venues breaching the guidance please let us know e-mailing the details to report.biz@rochdale.gov.uk.”

For a full list of businesses and premises which should be closed, and where there are exceptions, please visit:

• www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance