Published Monday 8 March 2021 at 18:56
Police have given out 26 Covid tickets after breaking up a poker party at a business premises in Blackburn.
Bodycam footage shows officers attending the property in Richmond Terrace at 7pm on Saturday (March 6) following a report that a poker tournament was being held.
Voices could be heard coming from within the building and officers entered.
As shown by the bodycam footage, once inside officers discovered a party was in full swing in a room above Robertos Bar and a number of people were playing poker across two large tables, with food and drinks being consumed.
A total of 26 £800 fixed penalty notices were issued – including to people who had travelled from as far as Nottingham and St Helens to attend the event.
The organiser and person responsible for the building has been reported for summons in respect of this gathering.
Sgt Steve Dundon, of the Blackburn neighbourhood policing team, said:
“This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and not only potentially puts lives in danger, it also risks extending the lockdown yet further. While we will show patience and understanding where possible, at this point of the pandemic people really should know better. Where people are still confused we will still look to engage, educate and encourage then to follow the rules, but where there is a blatant disregard for the Regulations – such as in this case – we will quickly move towards enforcement.
“As we start to see an end in sight, I would continue to ask people to act responsibly and do the right thing in order to keep the people of Lancashire safe.”
Lancashire Police licensing and Blackburn with Darwen Council are working together to consider whether to seek a review of the premises licence.
Cllr Phil Riley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Regeneration, said:
“It’s incredibly disappointing to hear of this flagrant abuse of the lockdown rules and I fully support the police action. We are so close to getting this virus under control but we have to keep on track by being responsible.
The Council will work with the police to see what further action needs to be taken.”
To report a Covid breach go to https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/