The council has targeted 48 businesses in the county which are suspected of being open, despite Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

The majority of the premises were car washes and were visited across Kent last Friday, resulting in 13 prohibition notices being handed out.

The authority confirmed the visits were made after being tipped off, rather than at random.

Operations manager Clive Phillips said: "We were pleased to find that the majority of businesses visited were complying with the law.

“Unfortunately, we had to issue formal prohibition notices on 13 premises, requiring them to cease operating immediately.

“While we sympathise with businesses at these difficult times, we all must play our part and that includes complying with the law.”

At the beginning of the month Met Warwick, from Kings Hill barbers in West Malling, was told to cease trading after staying open on the day a national lockdown began.

Any businesses unsure of the regulations can contact the Trading Standards business advice team directly on at TSbusinessadvice@kent.gov.uk.

Anyone with information or concerns about businesses operating outside the law can contact Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133.

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