A FLOWER seller who was working from Carlton during lockdown will be forced to pay more than £2,400 for operating illegally.
Oliver Richard Dilley, 35, of Parthian Avenue in Boston, runs Olly’s Buds and Blooms and was charged in his absence at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
He was issued with fines and costs of £2,455 for operating in breach of business restrictions under the Health Protection Regulations 2020.
Following reports made to the council by members of the public, Dilley was advised the day before the offence to not go ahead with his planned sale of flowers and other items from a private address on Lynwood Drive, Carlton.
Government guidance at the time specifically mentioned that florists were not permitted to open, therefore deeming it a non-essential businesses.
Julia Burrows, the town’s director of public health, said: “As this court case demonstrates, there was no excuse for failing to follow the rules - the council provided support and information about support grants available to businesses and we were right to take action on those who did not comply.”
