Smethwick carpet store fined £4,000 for Covid rules breaches
The owner of a Sandwell carpet and furniture store has been fined £4,000 after failing to comply with Covid-19 restrictions by allowing people into the store.
NCF Carpets, in Cape Hill, Smethwick, has been issued with three Fixed Penalty Notices totalling £4,000 for the breaches.
The store has been served the notice again after breaching a previous order given on Friday, January 8.
Officers from Sandwell Council and West Midlands Police had observed customers in the carpet shop, which is not permitted under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020.
Carpet shops are restricted businesses and are currently only allowed to operate through click and collect.
Despite the prohibition notices, the owner continued to operate and a further breach was identified by West Midlands Police officers and Trading Standards officers on Tuesday, February 2, who again witnessed customers in the carpet shop.
Sandwell Council's deputy leader, Councillor Maria Crompton, said: “We are doing all we can to support businesses across Sandwell, to help them operate legally and to provide financial support if they need to close due to the pandemic.
Wellbeing
“But our primary concern has always been the safety of staff, customers and residents. We will continue to come down hard on businesses who breach the rules and show a clear lack of concern for the safety and wellbeing of their community.
“Most residents and businesses across Sandwell have been doing their best to follow the rules and we want to thank them for their patience and continued support.”
Sandwell Council has been working closely with West Midlands Police to ensure safe practices are followed during the pandemic.
Sandwell Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Ian Green, said: “During the pandemic, the council and the police have been working closer than ever before.
“I am really proud of our two organisations working as a united front, taking on new changes and challenges as they have arisen. We will continue to do all we must to protect our community.”
Customers can report their concerns about shops in Sandwell by emailing PHCovid19_Enquiries@sandwell.gov.uk
