Police fine people and issue stark warning after Padiham pub holds party on Easter Sunday

Officers attended the venue after reports of loud music and people smoking outside. They discovered a party held by the manager for people not living at the pub.

Sgt Gary Hennighan, from the Licensing Team, said: “This is absolutely stupid and irresponsible behaviour. The guidelines have been hammered home now and there’s no excuse whatsoever. Licensees are feeling the pain of the lockdown and this selfish act undermines their responsibility – as well as the hard work and safety of those working in the emergency services. We will work with the local authority to look at further action against the pub itself. When the police arrived there were five to six people in the premises. We cannot name the pub at this stage as the landlord was unaware of the party being held."

Under new rules put in place by the Coronavirus Act, police across the country now have the power to disperse groups of more than two people if they are not immediate family members.

They can also issue on-the-spot fines of £60 for anyone caught flaunting the rules, which are reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.