The owner of a nail salon run from the bottom of a garden in south London faces a £1,000 fine for breaching Covid-19 lockdown rules.
Police found the makeshift beauty bar in action on Monday after members of the public reported that appointments appeared to be taking place at the property in Croydon.
Two women, caught in the middle of having their nails done, are being considered for a £200 fixed penalty fine, while the female owner faces a hefty £1,000 penalty, police said.
In bodycam footage released today, the businesswoman tells a police officer as he enters: “Sorry, I thought we could do it like this.”
But she is told: “Everyone knows the regulations by now. It’s in the news every day, in the papers and been going on for nearly a year now.”
Meanwhile, seven people from different households who gathered to watch TV and eat together in Romford, east London on Sunday night were also issued with fines.
Police said they knowingly broke regulations that banned household mixing indoors.
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, the Met’s South Area commander, said: “Though police are primarily focusing on the most severe breaches of Covid violations such as large gatherings, officers continue to respond to reports from the public of non-essential businesses operating illegally and smaller house parties, which are also undoubtedly contributing to the spread of the virus.
“We are fully committed to getting the spread of the virus across the capital under control – this means addressing a vast array of violations of the rules.
“We know that the majority of people are being safe, but the minority who continue to contravene COVID legislation are doing a disservice to their fellow citizens and to health professionals across the country who continue to work in the throes of this public health emergency.
“We appeal to the public to stay at home, stay safe, and protect each other from infection.
“As ever, our frontline officers are on hand should you need any assistance.”
