Lawbreakers face big fines as lockdown rules relaxed

FINES for lawbreakers who refuse to wear face masks in shops or on public transport will be doubled to an eye-watering £3,200 in a draconian crackdown by Boris Johnson.

- Macer Hall 

It will see the current £100 penalty rise 100 per cent with each subsequent offence.

And organisers of illegal raves or unauthorised gatherings of more than 30 people could be hit with £10,000 fines.

The Prime Minister ordered the tough new penalty regime amid concerns a persistent minority are ignoring the rules designed to curb fresh infection spikes.

His crackdown came as he gave the go-ahead to a further easing of lockdown restrictions in England which had been postponed a fortnight ago.

Bowling alleys, skating rinks, casinos and indoor play centres for children can welcome back customers from tomorrow. Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas and barbers can also offer close-contact treatments including eyebrows eyelashes and facials.

And wedding receptions with up to 30 guests will at last be able to go ahead.

Mr Johnson said: “Most people in this country are following the rules and doing their bit to control the virus but we must remain focused and we cannot be complacent.

“That is why we are strengthening the enforcement powers available to use against those who repeatedly flout the rules.

“At every stage I have said our plan to reopen society and the economy is conditional and that it relies on continued progress against the virus.