Southampton restaurant in 'serious breach' of Covid-19 regulations

Southampton City Council confirmed Iroko Lounge, in Onslow Road, has had its licence temporarily suspended.

This is after Hampshire Constabulary was concerned the venue was operating against government regulations and contrary to licensing and planning conditions.

In an official statement the council said ‘the venue was full, and beyond capacity, which also breached coronavirus regulations set by government'.

Hampshire Constabulary applied for a summary review due to be held on September 23.

In the meantime, the licence has been suspended pending the outcome of the review.

Police Constable Brian Swallow from the Licensing and Alcohol Harm Reduction Team, said: ‘This was a serious breach of licensing regulations and as such we recommended that the premises licence be suspended with immediate effect, to ensure public safety.

‘It is vitally important that licenced premises abide by the regulations that are in place to protect people from crime and disorder, public nuisance and the potential public health implications of such gatherings during the current pandemic.

‘Hampshire Constabulary will continue to work closely with our partners to encourage compliance and where necessary; we will take enforcement action.’

Cllr David Shields, cabinet member for stronger communities at the city council, said: ‘This was an irresponsible breach of licensing conditions and government guidelines on social distancing.

‘Along with our partners at Hampshire Constabulary we have taken swift and decisive action to protect the health of our communities in Southampton. We must not be complacent in our actions to keep Covid-19 infections in the city low.

‘I urge all premises to adhere to government guidelines; for everyone to continue to follow social distancing and face covering guidance, as well as practice good hand hygiene and if we do have symptoms, to isolate immediately along with members of our household and book a test via the NHS Test and Trace programme.’

The restaurant manager, who did not wish to be named, told the Local Democracy Service a private party was held at the venue 'a couple of weeks ago’.

He said only people on the guest list were set to be allowed in.

But he added: ‘The doorman left and more people came in. The doorman ran away. Suddenly more people started coming in.

‘Other people who were not on the guest list came in. ‘

The exact number of people at the venue has not been confirmed.