The owner of a hair salon in Fife has attracted a storm of protest after telling staff and customers they don’t need to wear face masks and claiming the coronavirus is a hoax.
Glenwood Salon in Glenrothes has made face masks non-mandatory despite a clear Scottish Government directive that face coverings are mandatory for close-contact retail businesses including hairdressing.
Despite the backlash, salon owner Brent Burnett said he remains defiant posting a number of links to conspiracy theories on the salon’s Facebook page to back up his belief that the virus is a conspiracy aimed at creating division in society and doesn’t exist.
He also made claims that the coronavirus is a cover to allow for the 5G rollout.
The salon’s online post which has caused the storm read: “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.”
The message has attracted a deluge of angry protests with over 2,400 comments in just a few hours.
Joanne Broderick, wrote: “This is absolutely disgusting! Giving the hair and beauty industry a bad name. The health and safety of your customers and staff should come before profit. It is been advised by government that they are mandatory, what makes you think you are entitled to deem them voluntary?”
Karen Ireland, added: “As a home carer I am absolutely appalled by this. It’s because of people like you that we haven’t got this under control, just do as the government has asked and help stop the spread.
Scottish Government rules regarding the wearing of face masks clearly indicates that they are “mandatory” for both staff and customers.
It also states that police have the power to impose fines on those who flout the rules, saying: “Every person in Scotland should comply with the measures that affect them.
“The relevant authorities, including the police, have been given the powers to enforce the regulations – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.”
A spokesperson for National Hair & Beauty Federation said: “The NHBF strongly recommends that salons to follow the government guidelines which are there to protect both the safety of clients and the people working there.
“Not correctly following guidelines could lead to a second wave of the virus which would mean reverting back to lockdown rules.
“The government has already announced that new powers have been given to local authorities to control and contain local outbreaks. This includes being able to close specific types of premises in a whole area if there is seen to be a risk of spreading the virus.”
The Salon, which is situated in the rundown Glenwood shopping centre earmarked for demolition as part of Fife Council’s regeneration plans for the area, has proved popular with locals.
As well as becoming one of the first employers in the town to guarantee a real living wage to its staff, the salon also offers a range of support to those with additional needs such as autism as well as providing discounted haircuts and regular support for the town’s foodbank.