Barber shop that broke coronavirus rules is closed until at least October 26

A barber shop that put staff and customers at risk of catching coronavirus has been closed after advice and support from Oldham Council officers was continually ignored.

Hashims & Co Barber must stay shut until at least October 26 after repeated safety breaches.

The Yorkshire Street shop will only be allowed to reopen when it is no longer a risk to health and safe working practices are in place.

Council officers have made repeated efforts to engage with the owner and his staff, but this help and advice has been ignored.

The council was first alerted when a member of the public complained the barbers and customers were not wearing masks.

Since then there has been a catalogue of safety breaches witnessed by officers.

These include:

Barbers not wearing masks or visors.

Customers not wearing masks.

Reusing gowns between customers and no hot water at the wash hand basin.

A barber cutting hair with a mask around his neck.

Staff refusing to give any details for themselves or the owner. The staff also refused to give their details to police officers.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “Our Environmental Health team have tried to work with this business but they have had a blatant disregard for the rules - that’s why we have closed them down.

“We don’t want to close any business, but the safety of staff and customers is a priority.

“We’ve had to take action against a few barber shops over the last few weeks and that is really disappointing.

“If you have a business make yourself aware of the rules and if you are struggling, we can help you.”

Councillor Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for COVID-19 Response, said: “All our businesses should follow safe practices to help stop the spread of Coronavirus - and thankfully the vast majority are.

“But if you see safety breaches report them to us as no one should be put at risk.”

To contact Oldham Council's Environmental Health team, email: ENVhealth@oldham.gov

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