Yahoo News Woman faces £10,000 fine for throwing New Year’s Eve party for 100 people
A woman who held a New Year’s Eve party for more than 100 people faces a £10,000 fine for breaking coronavirus rules.
The Metropolitan Police discovered the event in Exhibition Road, Kensington, central London, when they spotted a large group outside trying to get in at around 11.30pm last Thursday.
The force said the organiser refused to let officers inside the property so they returned on Monday to notify her she had been referred for the maximum penalty under health protection regulations.
Police said in a statement: “At approximately 23:30hrs officers on proactive patrol in the area dispersed a large group who had gathered outside the address.”
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A woman who organised a New Year's Eve party in #Kensington has been reported for a £10,000 fine for breaching #Covid regulations.
It is up to all of us to do the right thing and officers will continue to take action against those who break the rules. https://t.co/WwHddd796X— Kensington & Chelsea Police (@MPSKenChel) January 6, 2021
Police added: “It is believed they were attempting to gain entry to the party, but were blocked from entering.
“Officers believed that there was a gathering inside the premises but despite repeated attempts to engage with the occupants and gain entry to the property, the occupants refused to engage with officers.”
Acting Inspector Ganesh Rasaratnam, from the Met's Central West Basic Command Unit, said: “We are in the middle of a pandemic, and restrictions have been put in place to keep our families, friends and communities safe.
“The organiser, and those who attended, deliberately breached the restrictions and decided that the rules did not apply to them.
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“We will continue to take tough action against those who think they are above the law and put others in danger with this sort of reckless behaviour.
“Thankfully, many people across London have put much of their own lives on hold as they do their bit to follow the guidance and reduce COVID infections. The large majority have behaved admirably and should be proud of themselves for helping play their part as we all fight this health crisis.”
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