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Officials from Falkirk Council are increasingly concerned about a number of local businesses who are failing to adhere to new Scottish Government regulations to ensure appropriate distancing and ignoring rules around what businesses are currently allowed to trade.

The warning comes as nearly 100 enquiries have been made by concerned members of the public to Trading Standards and Environmental Health Officers since the legislation was introduced on 26 March 2020.

Examples include allegations of:

  • Lack of social distancing at mobile food premises;
  • Businesses admitting too many customers into the premises making it difficult to maintain the two metres requirement;
  • Lack of social distancing between employees on construction sites;
  • Gyms operating;
  • Lack of social distancing between employees at car washes.

Businesses that are permitted to be open are being reminded that they need to take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between anyone on the premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer).  This includes between members of staff.  They must also take all reasonable measures to ensure that they only admit people to their premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance. Finally, they need to take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of two metres is maintained between any person waiting to enter its premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer).

Councillor Laura Murtagh, spokesperson for Public Protection said: “These rules are there for a reason – to protect the public and to save lives. While we recognise that these are challenging times for all businesses, we won’t compromise on the safety of anyone. Please respect these rules and continue to keep our communities as protected as far as possible.”

“The overwhelming majority of businesses are complying fully but clearly there are a few prepared to break the law and disregard regulations which is there to protect us all. We thank all those going out of their way to respect the regulations and keep their staff and customers as safe as possible.

“If you have concerns that a business is not carrying out its legal responsibilities, get in touch by contacting 013240 506070 or email us or you can report it online. If you are a business, you can also get in touch with us for advice.

“We are assisting the business community in a whole variety of ways during the pandemic and are here to help."