Two businesses in Ceredigion have been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £1,000 for breaching the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
The Ideal Fitness gym in Aberystwyth was issued with a fixed penalty notice for remaining open when prohibited under the Regulations. Following complaints from members of the public that the gym was open for business, officers from the Public Protection Team visited the premises. Despite the requirement to be closed to members of the public and not carry on the business or service at the premises during Alert Level 4 restrictions, officers found individuals present.
Davi John’s Florist in Aberystwyth has also been issued with a fixed penalty notice for breaching the Regulations. Although the business is permitted to operate on a “Click and Collect” basis, complaints received from members of the public claimed that this was not the case and that individuals could purchase from the shop without prior enquiries or appointment. Following repeated visits by officers from the Public Protection Team to give the business operator advice, a Compliance Notice was initially issued which specified what measures were needed to comply with regulations. However, the business continued to flagrantly flout the requirement to restrict trading from the premises, and as a result, was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Both businesses have received grants intended to financially support businesses in Wales affected by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
The Fixed Penalty Notices were issued on 3 March 2021 and 5 March 2021 by Ceredigion County Council. The responsible persons may discharge liability to conviction for the offence if the penalty is paid within 28 days.
