Police hand out 10k fine after breaking up office Christmas party in City

Police issued a £10,000 fine after breaking up a 45-strong office Christmas party in the City of London which featured alcohol, DJ and decks.

City of London Police said they were called to a Christmas party in the Square Mile last week.

They discovered around 45 people dancing and drinking alcohol in an office space.

Police said the £10,000 fine handed out was the second they have issued, following a fine for a wedding reception at the end of October.

City of London Police tweeted: “Please don't put yourself and others at risk of catching COVID19: stick to the rules and socially distance, even in the festive season.”

The Square Mile is home to the capital’s financial district but police haven’t revealed which company received the fine.

Organisers of gatherings of over 30 people can be handed £10,000 fines for breaching coronavirus regulations.

Watch: Officers Break Up 'Lock In' at Football Club in West Midlands that Defied COVID-19 Restrictions

Last month, sources close to Rita Ora said the singer voluntarily paid a £10,000 fine after hosting a 30th birthday party in west London.

It comes as London sees the highest Covid-19 infection rate in the whole of England with 191 cases per 100,000, according to Public Health England figures.

If London escapes Tier 3 before Christmas, some MPs believe it is likely to go into it in the New Year.

Coronavirus rates overall in England have plateaued, except in the capital where it has risen from 158 per 100,000 the previous week.

Watch: The COVID dos and don’ts of Christmas this year

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