Coronavirus: Police threaten £10,000 fine over ‘dangerous and foolish’ London wedding party with 100 guests

Under current regulations, weddings are permitted but guest numbers are limited to 15 people

The owner of an event venue in west London has been threatened with a £10,000 fine after police were called to a wedding reception where more than 100 people had gathered in a “dangerous and foolish breach of the regulations”.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the Tudor Rose in Southall shortly after 6.30pm on Tuesday, 13 October.

The force said a “high number of people had crowded into the venue to celebrate a wedding”. Police released body-worn camera footage showing the crowded event.

Officers who walked through the event said they saw no evidence guests were maintaining social distancing. “Nor were guests taking any reasonable steps to protect others and prevent transmitting the virus,” a police statement said.

Under current regulations, weddings are permitted but guest numbers are limited to 15 people.

Wedding guests who police said were “in clear breach of these regulations” were then told to leave the venue.

After considering the risk, senior officers decided to report the owner of the venue for consideration of a £10,000 fixed penalty notice.

Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner said: “This was a dangerous and foolish breach of the regulations, which have been designed specifically to keep people safe from transmitting a deadly virus.

“Restrictions on large gatherings, such as weddings, have been in place for months and quite frankly there can be no excuse for this flagrant violation of the law.

“There was clearly no attempt by the venue owner to enforce the regulations or keep their patrons safe – it is for this reason we have reported them for a £10,000 fine.

“Everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves, and their families, safe from Coronavirus. As cases of Coronavirus rise across London, officers throughout the Met will be redoubling our efforts to clamp down on those individuals and businesses who breach the regulations and put themselves, and others at risk.”