Police visit Fife salon over stance on face coverings

Police have paid a visit to a Fife salon at the centre of a row over its staff wearing face coverings.

The Scottish Government says it is the law for staff and customers in retail settings to wear coverings, with some exemptions.

That includes those working in close-contact services like hairdressers and barbers.

Anyone who refuses to comply could be hit with a fine.

Glenwood Salon in Glenrothes posted on Facebook earlier this week, saying it disagreed and would not force staff to wear face coverings.

The post said: "Thank you to all our clients that have come to the salon and followed the guidelines. We are going to be changing things a little.

"Glenwood Salon believe that masks should be voluntary and not mandatory so as of tomorrow the staff will not be wearing masks. It is entirely up to the individual if they wish to wear one.

"We will of course still be sterilising all equipment and cleaning and sanitising after every client."

Today, police confirmed they had been to visit the business.

A spokesperson said: "Officers visited the salon yesterday (Saturday) and appropriate safety measures were in place. Advice and assistance was given and staff encouraged to comply with the Scottish Government guidelines. No further police action was required.

"Our officers will continue to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance. We will use enforcement as a last resort only where there is a clear breach of the legislation.

"A number of exemptions exist that mean certain people are not required to wear a face covering in a shop. We would encourage people to raise any concerns with business owners or staff in the first instance."

Glenrothes councillor Julie Ford says she has reported the case to the authorities.

In a statement on social media, she wrote: "I am aware of a post from a local business in Glenrothes West who has posted that they will not be complying, or making their staff or customers comply with the mandatory use of face coverings while working in an enclosed space. This is completely irresponsible, unacceptable and puts us all at risk.

"The wearing of face coverings isn't a choice, it is a legal requirement and those deliberately not complying with this law can be fined.

"This is to protect us all personally, but also businesses, to try and prevent another lockdown. For one business owner to disregard that disrespects the rest of the business community.

"My colleague Councillor Craig Walker and I have brought this to the attention of the relevant services and people and hope that this can be resolved quickly."

The salon has faced a backlash online after its post - though it claims it has had an upturn in business as a result.

Owner Brent Burnett has also posted links to a number of conspiracy theories on the salon's Facebook page, apparently claiming the virus is a hoax.

When contacted for a response by Kingdom FM, the salon owner simply replied: "Sue me."