‘Irresponsible’ hairdresser fined after claiming Magna Carta meant she could carry on working in lockdown
A "selfish" and "irresponsible" hairdresser who defied current lockdown rules by continuing to serve customers has been fined £1,000.
Pictures showed Quinn Blakey Hairdressing in Bradford, West Yorkshire, welcoming at least one client on Monday, and at least one other on Tuesday, just days after restrictions were brought in prohibiting non-essential businesses from opening.
The owner of Quinn Blakey had placed a note on the front door of the salon saying “I do not consent" to the lockdown and citing the Magna Carta, often used in defence of civil liberties.
The notice, signed and dated 5 November, said: "I do not consent.
"This business stands under the jurisdiction of common law. As the business owners, we are exercising our rights to earn a living.
"I am not under any obligation, nor will I, answer any questions or give you any details. I am a living person and statutory regulations only apply with my consent."
The note claimed the business owner has "a right to enter into lawful dissent" if they feel they are being "governed unjustly" under Article 61 of Magna Carta 1215.
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However, the owner has now been issued with a prohibition notice to close by her local council, supported by West Yorkshire Police, as well as a fixed-penalty notice of £1,000.
Kirklees councillor Rob Walker said the council “completely understands how tough it has been, and continues to be, for local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic”, but that the restrictions were brought in to “save lives”.
He added: “It only works if we all stick to it and realise that no one is above the law. Frankly, the actions taken by this business are selfish and irresponsible.
“We will not hesitate to take action on anyone who breaches the rules that are in place to keep us all safe.”
A worker at the salon, thought to be the owner, refused to comment on the matter when approached on Tuesday.
Fact-checking website Full Fact says the citation of Article 61 of the Magna Carta is “incorrect” and cannot be used for such purposes, despite posts on social media claiming otherwise.
The website concluded: “Clause 61 of the 1215 Magna Carta set out rules for 25 specific barons.
“It did not allow the general population to rebel, and it was also removed from subsequent versions of the document.”
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