A BARBER has been fined after he was discovered still operating his business in breach of Covid regulations.

Officers on patrol at around 4.50pm on Tuesday noticed a man exiting Johnstone Turkish Barbers in the town's High Street, which had its shutters down and appeared closed.

On further investigation, the owner of the premises was found inside along with evidence that suggested he was still operating as a hairdresser.

The 43-year-old man was issued a Covid ticket and ordered to lock up the property.

Police said a 25-year-old man was also issued with a fine.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said: "This was good diligent work by officers, who acted upon their suspicions and thereafter traced the owner of the premises still operating his business, when under current restrictions hairdressers and barbers should not be open.

"As a community, we are trying our best to minimise the spread of the virus and it's not fair to those who are abiding by the regulations and trying to do their bit when others are blatantly disregarding them."

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson added: "Businesses breaching legislation are risking people’s health, their business and access to government grant support and our public protection team are working closely with Police Scotland to ensure Renfrewshire businesses comply with the law."

Johnstone Turkish Barbers declined to comment when asked by The Gazette.