A gym owner has been fined £77,000 ($101,500) for flouting coronavirus lockdown rules after a stand off with police.
Andreas Michli, who runs Zone Gym in Wood Green, London, refused to close when lockdown was brought in again across the UK.
The 34-year-old businessman and bodybuilder had promised his clients the gym would stay open, despite Boris Johnson announcing all gyms should close from 5 November.
Advert
Writing on Facebook, Michli said: "We are not closing! We are staying open because it's the right thing to do and we need the message to get out there to the public.
"I am flabbergasted gyms are being forced to close. Gyms have some of the lowest infection rates of business sectors.
"The police have asked us to close, but we are going to do right by our members even if the legislation says different. We are keeping people healthy."
Police were then deployed to stop customers from entering on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
Advert
The huge fine was given to Michli by the local council - he was told to close temporarily until he can contest the full closure of his gym in court on Tuesday.
The London Borough of Haringey applied even applied for a civil order to stop Michli from entering the building.
If he breaches the order he could even be jailed for a maximum of three months, with a further fine added on top.
A recent post from Michli on Zone Gym's Instagram page reads: "I just want to stress that this has always been about doing what's right by my members!
Advert
"The last week we've been ram jam packed with people from all over the country and other local gyms, the love was so overwhelmingly felt among everyone!
"All I know is that we did the right thing and don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise! We were the ones who stayed positive and carried on!"
Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, Leader of Haringey Council, said: "People are still dying from coronavirus every day, and with the UK recording its highest daily number of people testing positive for coronavirus there is no greater warning that this pandemic remains around us. We have consistently been clear in Haringey that we must all work together to contain the spread of the virus.
Advert
"Haringey Council has made it a priority to support our residents and local businesses and we have taken every measure possible with partners to keep the number of cases as low as possible throughout the borough.
"I recognise this is difficult time for everyone who has made sacrifices to ensure the safety of their loved ones and I want to thank the majority of people who are following the government's guidelines. For our local businesses this is an extremely difficult time, and we understand the challenges they are currently facing.
"However, the law is the law, and it applies to everyone. Our enforcement officers have been doing everything in their power to engage, explain and encourage regarding the legislation that has been put in place.
"Staying as active as you can to look after your health and wellbeing is really important during this time, but it has to be done in the right way. We have tried on numerous occasions to communicate with the owner of Zone Gym who unfortunately decided to remain open despite repeated warnings.
Advert
"As a result we were left with no choice but to issue fixed penalty notices and have obtained a Closure Notice. We are now awaiting the outcome of a court hearing next Tuesday where the case will be heard to obtain a Closure Order which we intend to enforce.
"Enforcement is always our last resort. However, the national restrictions that have been put in place aim to contain the spread of the coronavirus and will only work if they are fully adhered to. Where businesses are refusing to abide by the law, we are left with no choice but to take strong action, with the support of the police where necessary."
LADbible has contacted Zone Gym for a comment.
Featured Image Credit: Philip Coburn/MirrorpixTopics: UK News