Local businesses refuse to shut despite Covid sanctions
The Coronavirus pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for East Dorset businesses of all sizes. News of an additional lockdown following the easing of restrictions over the summer came as a blow to local businesses, many of whom have been struggling financially for much of the year.
Local businesses are feeling the financial strain
According to a business impact survey conducted by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, the overwhelming majority of respondents in the local area indicated that the pandemic has had a “major impact causing significant disruption” to their businesses. More than half had furloughed staff and nearly ten per cent had permanently laid-off employees.
It cannot be denied that balancing public health with the economy is something that governments across the world have been struggling with for many months. Although many firms are following guidelines to the letter, not everyone is willing to be so compliant. In fact, many local businesses are actively citing both a lack of clear information and a lack of preparation time in refusing to close despite rigid sanctions being brought in.
Refusal to comply with Covid restrictions
Some East Dorset business owners have outright refused to follow the rules of the national lockdown, despite being faced with hefty fines. Chris Kettle is the managing director of Happy Buddha, which sells Buddha-related merchandise and has several branches in Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset. Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, Kettle reported that he had been fined on two separate occasions by Bournemouth and Poole Council but had no plans to pay the several thousand pound bill.
Noting that he has a ‘lawful right to appeal in court,’ Kettle views the lack of notice from the Council to close his premises as an ‘attack’. Kettle went on to note that he believes his business to be essential retail, because it sells throws to keep people warm, lavender to ease people’s anxieties, and incense for use in meditation practices.
Happy Buddha isn’t the only retail store to have been visited by newly-appointed Covid marshals across Bournemouth and Poole. More than 100 businesses were visited and asked for their cooperation by trading standards and environmental health officers. In response to the action taken by the Council, Councillor May Haines has said that support has been broadly well received by business owners.
Haines went on to note that enforcement action is only considered when businesses refuse to operate in line with the restrictions and won’t engage in meaningful discussions. Although the owner of Happy Buddha was advised that he could continue trading using a click and collect or pre-order service, this suggestion was not followed despite being adopted by many other businesses determined to both follow the rules and ensure their survival.
Bournemouth and Poole Council stood by its decision, noting that the government does not permit businesses to self-define as either essential or non-essential and citing the list of businesses allowed to remain open compiled by the UK government.
