Trading standards and environmental health
Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, our priority is to protect public health, while providing support and advice to businesses across South Ayrshire. Regulations* are now in place to protect against the risk to public health which require some businesses to close.
At time of writing, all businesses who are still allowed to trade have to ensure that:
- a distance of 2 metres is kept between any people on the premises (except between 2 members of the same household, or a carer and the person being assisted by the carer);
- only small numbers of people are allowed into the premises at a time (to allow for the 2 metre distance);
- a distance of 2 metres is kept between people waiting to enter the premises (except between 2 members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer).
Our Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officers, working in partnership with Police Scotland, are authorised to service Prohibition notices on businesses who fail to comply with the requirements of the regulations. Businesses that don't follow guidance will initially receive a warning. Following this, any business who still fails to comply could ultimately see enforcement action taken against them.
If you are concerned about any of the following please phone 0300 123 0900 and ask for Trading Standards and Environmental Health:
- If a business should be trading;
- Pavement marking for physical distancing outside businesses;
- Physical distancing in open businesses;
- Profiteering (sometimes called price gouging).
If you have any concerns about peoples gathering in public, or leaving their house too often, please contact Police Scotland on 101.
*More information and details of the regulations can be found here and on legislation.
Business
Download the cleaning schedule guidance (PDF, 267 KB) for advice on how to develop a cleaning schedule to help reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) within your business.
Various posters are available for download
Preorders only poster (PDF, 193 KB)
Street traders poster (PDF, 263 KB)
Cold Calling Warning Sticker
We have received reports of residents receiving unwanted doorstep calls and leaflets from people offering a range of services.
We have produced a door sticker which can be used to deter unwanted callers and mailers.
If you'd like to request a free doorstop warning sticker, please contact 01292 616101. Alternatively, you can download one here: Cold Caller Warning Sticker (PDF, 1 MB)
Environmental Health
Pest Control
Until further notice we will only be dealing with rats, mice and fleas. You can deal with ants, slaters and beetles by using a crawling insect spray which can be purchased from large supermarkets.
May we also take this opportunity to remind you that from the 1st April, in line with all other Council Services, payment for all services must be made in advance by card as we are unable to accept payment by cash or cheque.
Dog Control
We will attempt to investigate any complaints but this may prove difficult if witnesses etc. are self- isolating
Dog Fouling
We have no capacity at the current time to carry out patrols for dog fouling, nor are our Waste Management colleagues able to arrange street cleans.
Accumulations of Refuse
Our Waste Management colleagues have ceased special uplifts for the time being, and the civic amenity sites have been closed. It is therefore highly unlikely that we will be able to action removal of the accumulations of refuse at present. We would encourage neighbours to share bin capacity to reduce the need for storage outwith the general bins.
Noise Complaints
As a consequence of schools being closed and people being restricted to their homes, we all need to be respectful and show increased tolerance and patience, as there will be an unavoidable increase in noise levels from neighbouring properties. We will not be investigating complaints concerning noisy children playing etc. in the current climate.
Housing Inspections
In the majority of cases, these will be suspended until further notice. Only in exceptional circumstances will officers visit.
Trading Standards
Consumer and Business Advice
Until further notice, we will only be dealing with enquiries and complaints by email or phone.
Trusted Trader
Our Trusted Trader members will deal with requests for work in accordance with UK and Scottish Government / NHS advice.
Animal Health and Welfare
We will continue to monitor animal welfare on a minimal contact basis. Any animal welfare complaints will be assessed and dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with the present Scottish Government and NHS requirements
Petrol Retail Safety Queries and Complaints
All queries will be dealt with as soon as possible by phone or email. For any petroleum safety emergencies, please contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue service.
Scams and Call Blocking Technology
We will continue to offer advice and guidance on any scams that target local residents. Requests for call blocking devices are suspended now and any new requests will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Trading Practices
We will continue to monitor complaints and enquiries about unfair trading or pricing practices, and consumer safety issues that are received by email or phone. These will be assessed and dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with the present Scottish Government and NHS requirements.
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