AS we prepare for the third week of national lockdown restrictions across England, confusion over what businesses can stay open remains.

Since November 5, enforcement action has been taken against a number of businesses across the North-East flouting the rules.

From gyms refusing to close to stores continuing to sell 'non-essential' items, several names have already been ordered to shut their doors.

SEE MORE: TJ Hughes revealed as Middlesbrough department store fined £17,000 over lockdown breaches

On Thursday, TJ Hughes in Middlesbrough closed its doors as it was revealed Middlesbrough Council had fined the store £17,000 for remaining open.

SEE MORE: Darlington gym refusing to close could face fine

Last week, two businesses in Darlington were handed notices after refusing to close during the lockdown.

Carpetright in the Darlington Retail Park and TUFF Gym on Chatsworth Terrace were told they could face fines or prosecution if they did not adhere to the rules.

But what businesses are allowed to open for trade? We've looked at the latest guidance issued on November 5.

Here's what can stay open:

The Government guidance states that the following businesses and venues that provide goods for sale or hire are permitted to remain open - including if they operate from an outdoor market stall, or at a defined concession within a shopping centre:

- Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.

- Fresh food retailers such as butchers, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, and delicatessens

- Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol

- Pharmacies, including non-dispensing pharmacies, and chemists

- Newsagents

- Hardware stores, such as tools, timber, paint, plumbing and glass, but where these stores contain showrooms in distinct sections, these should close

- Building merchants and building services

- Petrol stations, car repair shops, bicycle shops and MOT services - other vehicle repair can also go ahead at these venues.

- Car parks and motorway service areas

- Taxi or vehicle hire businesses

- Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers, such as pawn brokers

- Savings clubs, cash points and undertakings which by way of business operate currency exchange offices, transmit money, or any representation of money, by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers

- Post offices

- Funeral directors

- Laundrettes and dry cleaners

- Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health

- Stores providing mobility/disabled support goods and services

- Veterinary surgeons, animal rescue centres, boarding facilities and pet shops

- Animal grooming facilities may stay open but must only be used for the purposes of the animal’s welfare and not for aesthetic purposes

- Garden centres and agricultural supplies shops. This does not include florists, nurseries, or foresters.

- Christmas tree farms can continue operating through click-and-collect and delivery services.

- Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business allowed to remain open

- Businesses that provide services - such as accountants, solicitors, and estate agents - are not required to close

This includes businesses which have as their main activity repair services, such as electronics repair services. This does not include shops that are not otherwise permitted to open, such as a mobile phone store that offers some repairs.

- Businesses providing services that are permitted to remain open should take steps to ensure they are COVID-19 Secure including, where possible, providing services remotely or virtually.

- A business selling a significant amount of essential retail may also continue to sell goods typically sold at non-essential retail

What must close

These businesses must remain closed during the second national lockdown:

- Clothing stores and tailors

- Homeware stores, such as furniture and carpet retailers

- Showrooms open to the public for products used in homes, including bathrooms, kitchens and glazing

- Tobacco and vape shops

- Electronic goods and mobile phone shops

- Charity shops

- Antique stores and photography studios

- Markets, except for livestock markets or stalls which fall under the list of essential businesses - for example those selling food or hardware

- Car and other vehicle showrooms and other premises, including outdoor areas, used for the sale or hire of caravans, boats or any vehicle which can be propelled by mechanical means

- Car washes

- Auction houses except for auctions of livestock or agricultural equipment

- Homeopathic and naturopathic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and ayurveda