Bootle-based Skin Kerr Aesthetics Hair and Beauty put a poster in its window saying it was a ‘Covid Free Salon’ – now the council has ordered its closure. Tony McDonough reports

A Merseyside beauty salon that put a poster in its window calling the COVID-19 pandemic a hoax has been ordered to close its doors.

Skin Kerr Aesthetics Hair and Beauty put a poster in its window saying it was a ‘Covid Free Salon’, promising a no masks policy and stating “You Can’t Catch What Doesn’t Exist’. At the bottom were the hashtags #voodoovirusisbullshit and #wedonotconsent.

The business, in Aintree Road in Bootle, also shared the poster on its Facebook page which has since been delated. Salons have been allowed to open since July but staff are required to wear face masks when treating clients.

In early September, Sefton Council environmental health officials made a number of visits to the business and issued. It also sent a warning letter reminding the salon of the current restrictions and its public health obligations.

However, despite assurances the business would comply with COVID-19 regulations, the poster reappeared in the window, having initially being taken down. The council says it is not satisfied adequate controls and measures are in place to protect staff and customers. It has now ordered a temporary shutdown of the premises.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services said: “It is the responsibility of businesses across Sefton to ensure they have the required measures in place to protect their staff and their customers.

“And, the council is working with closely with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to provide support and advice to our local businesses. However, when businesses refuse to comply and insist on putting people at risk from the pandemic, we will not hesitate to take action against them as we have with Skin Kerr in Bootle.”

Further to its work with businesses, begun at the start of the pandemic in March, Sefton Council has been working with the HSE since mid-September, to help Sefton’s businesses make sure they are COVID-secure.

Phone calls and follow-up visits are being carried out with businesses in the hospitality, beauty and hairdressing and the warehousing sectors. During these checks, businesses are being provided with advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors.

Sefton Council has also reminded businesses of the need to create a QR code for their premises which people can use to check in on the national COVID-19 app.

Businesses required by law to display QR code posters include pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés, hotels, museums, cinemas and amusement arcades and close contact services such as hairdressers, barbershops and tailors.

Council facilities such as community centres, libraries and village halls are also covered as are places of worship, community organisations with a physical location and events taking place at a specific location.