Read the latest story: Tanning salon forced to reclose after breaking rules by announcing reopening

A tanning salon chain has broken government coronavirus lockdown rules to reopen today.

Sun City Tanning, which has ten branches across Essex and east London, announced they would reopen all ten branches on social media yesterday afternoon.

This morning the Epping Forest Guardian can confirm branches in Loughton and Chigwell have reopened. The Guardian is in the process of confirming the other eight branches are also open.

In a post on Instagram, the tanning chain said: "After 102 days of doing our bit and being closed. Enough is enough. We are opening tomorrow at 9.30am along with the majority of the country. We are fully COVID-19 friendly and ready to welcome all of our lovely loyal customers back! X"

Epping Forest Guardian:

From July 4 (today), pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers are allowed to reopen, with coronavirus precautionary measures in place.

However, tanning salons, spas, nail bars and other beauty sector businesses have not been given permission to reopen yet.

Despite this, Sun City Tanning has opened its stores; branches span east London in Essex, with locations in Loughton, Chigwell, Chingford, Woodford Green and Highams Park.

Epping Forest District Councillor Stephen Murray said: “This was brought to my attention very early this morning , if the allegation is true , then it represents a possible serious breach of the government Covid guidelines.

“I have already made contact with the district council’s chief executive Georgina Blakemore and have been assured that the council’s duty officers will be investigating.

“I realise that local businesses are keen to resume trading but the government will be following public health advice about which types of business still need to remain closed and it is only reasonable to expect all such affected businesses to adhere to this guidance."

On June 23 the Prime Minister announced further easements of the coronavirus restrictions, allowing some businesses to reopen

The government has published a list of business which remain closed in law:

  • Nightclubs, dance halls, discotheques
  • Casinos
  • Sexual entertainment venues and hostess bars
  • Bowling alleys
  • Indoor skating rinks
  • Indoor play areas including soft-play areas
  • Spas
  • Nail bars and salons and beauty salons
  • Tanning booths and salons
  • Massage parlours
  • Tattoo parlours
  • Body and skin piercing services
  • Indoor fitness and dance studios
  • Indoor gyms and sports courts and facilities
  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, including water parks

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