Two Carpetright stores in South Gloucestershire have been forced to shut after remaining open during lockdown.
South Gloucestershire Council enforcement officers issued probation notices ordering the retailer’s Cribbs Causeway and Longwell Green branches to close to customers.
Its Weston store which also “refused to close” amid the month-long restrictions had been ordered to do so by North Somerset Council.
All non-essential shops must be shut to members of the public for four weeks from November 5.
There is an exemption under the hardware and building merchants category of the regulations, which is aimed at tradespeople only, but officials found Carpetright was trading beyond a click-and-collect service.
South Gloucestershire Council health and safety team leader Shaun Fudge said: “Businesses are urged to abide by the national restrictions and this action sends a strong message that we are prepared to take proportionate but firm action where breaches are found.”
Government guidance classes carpet stores as non-essential homeware.
Fittings can go ahead where they are already scheduled.
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