Emporium Bar in Southsea landed with £1,000 fine by police for allowing Halloween party

Emporium Bar was told to cough up the money after the Elm Grove establishment was busted for ‘putting people’s lives at risk’ after breaching the ‘rule of six’ coronavirus regulation at the weekend.

In August the bar owner was thanked by Hampshire Constabulary and Portsmouth City Council after deciding to close because of concerns of customers not socially distancing.

It was one of 33 incidents where health regulations were being breached resulting in Hampshire police dishing out 92 fines.

Another notable incident dealt with by police saw officers spat, sneezed and coughed at by a man claiming he had coronavirus after they attended a Southsea home following a report of an assault on Sunday.

‘Officers on duty over the weekend saw that it was a really happy Halloween for most. They saw that the majority of people were following the guidance and keeping themselves, their families and their communities safe while celebrating,’ a police statement said.

‘However we found a number of people still putting their social life ahead of their own health, the health of loved ones, and those who are vulnerable by hosting house parties and breaching the rule of six.’

Assistant Chief constable Maggie Blyth added: ‘This weekend has proved there are always a few people who ignore what is best for them and others, and make decisions that put other people’s lives at risk.

‘The majority of the incidents we attended on Saturday night were house parties organised by adults and attended by significantly more than six people. Where this is still happening our enforcement activity is, by necessity, focused and robust.

‘We will continue to focus our efforts on those who are intent on ignoring the legislation, at the same times as tackling offenders, reducing crime, and protecting those who need our help – with crime rates back up to pre-pandemic levels, officers are working really hard to keep the public safe.

‘We must remember, it is only by us all working together to follow the legislation that we are able to limit the spread of the virus.

‘I want to thank everyone who is taking their personal responsibility seriously and I want to assure you that we will continue to take action against those who needlessly put others at risk.’

On Friday and Saturday night, police also issued 12 Fixed Penalty Notices to people having a house party at a property in Sherborne Road, Southampton.

Officers issued 25 fines to one group of people who were found to be having a house party at a property in Osbourne Road North and 30 Fixed Penalty Notices to people at a house party on Gordon Avenue, both in Southampton.

Revellers were seen attempting to run away out the back of the house for the latter incident.

Changes in restrictions outlined by the government on the weekend come into effect on Thursday as Britain braces itself for another lockdown.

SEE ALSO: Man charged with burglaries

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