Hackney gym faces fine for Covid regulation breach

A FITNESS CENTRE based in Stean Street, Hackney was given a Fixed Penalty Notice after police found that it was open to users on Friday, 8th January.

Police received reports that the fitness centre was open and arrived there at 9.20am. Despite the current lockdown requiring gyms to close to the public, they found that the business was open – with three people present. Police discuss the anti-Covid regulations with the owner and pointed out that his business should be closed.  They also advised him that he may receive a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for the breach.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw, the Covid lead for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said, “Whilst there are certain rules around people being allowed to exercise in public under this lockdown, nowhere in the legislation does it allow people to go to gyms to work out. Those found to be flouting the rules, as with this instance, should expect necessary enforcement action to be taken against them. We are thankful that the vast majority of people continue to follow the guidance and do their part to reduce the infection rate.”

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