By Sammie Jones-
A hairdresser has continued to defy orders to remain shut doing the lockdown in the Uk, quoting the Magna Carta
Kirklees Council officers imposed further fines when they visited Quinn Blakey salon in Oakenshaw today and found that the business was open and trading.
The West Yorkshire salon owner who is facing increased financial penalty after she opened up the premises three times in breach of lockdown rules, is refusing to backdown and insists she won’t paying any fines. put in place to save lives and stop the spread of the virus.
The now deleted post read: “I earned this week’s rent today, not sure where I would be pulling that money from given the government want self employed business people to wait SIX WEEKS for a payment.
“I still have a mortgage, bills, childcare fees, food, car, insurance etc not to mention the overheads for the shop.
“If we give up now I can categorically guarantee your small businesses will not survive this lockdown – given it’s not going to be four weeks.
“Like I said before this is more than just having a business and an income, this is my children’s future and that’s more important to me than anything. Thank you to the clients who are supporting me in this difficult time!”
The owner of the salon has continued to post videos on Instagram of the police and council outside the door.
The letter on the door referring to the 1215 document said: “Under Article 61 of Magna Carta 1215 we have a right to enter into lawful dissent if we feel we are being governed unjustly.
“Contrary to common belief, our sovereign and her government are only there to govern us and not rule us.
“This must be done within the constraint of our common law and the freedoms asserted to us by such law. Nothing can become law in this country if it falls outside of this simple constraint.
“I am not under any obligation, nor will I, answer any questions or give you any details. I am a living persons and statutory regulations only apply with my consent.”
The letter continued to demand proof for eight different clauses before Quinn Blakey Hairdressing salon said they would agree to close.
A spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: “We visited on Saturday and found the business to be open.
“They have been given a £4,000 fine for trading that day.
“Police visited the premises yesterday and the business was found to again be open and trading.
“They are now being issued with a further £10,000 fine.
“This takes the total to £17,000.”
The council said in a statement: “We completely understand how tough it has been, and continues to be, for local businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We will do all we can to support them through what has been a devastating period, but it is absolutely crucial for people’s safety that we all follow the latest Covid-19 rules and guidance.”
It added Kirklees had the fifth highest rate in the country, with 135 hospital admissions last week and 25 people dying with coronavirus.
The council said it was now “in the process of exploring alternative action”.