Police have handed out another £10,000 fine to the organiser of a big birthday bash in Wolverhampton for breaching coronavirus rules.
Dozens of guests were pouring out of the function room on Dale Street, Bilston, ignoring rules on gatherings and social distancing.
Inside, Police found large balloon arches and sound systems. Officers found a card reader and a draw of cash together with alcohol, despite the venue not being licensed to sell drink.
Police believe more than 60 people had been at the event, and the organiser has now been hit with the fine.
Supt Simon Inglis, of Wolverhampton police, said: “It’s with regret that we’ve had to issue another, £10,000 fine, but this was a blatant breach of coronavirus law.
“But at a critical time for the health of the city, I think the vast majority of the community would agree that it was necessary to do so on this occasion.
“We need to be really clear to those people who are thinking of arranging or attending such event that we will take action to protect the community.
“As well as issuing fines to those who arrange such events, those who attend also face the risk of individual fines, and we will not think twice about issuing them when necessary.
“Overall our aim is to help the community and be there when they need us rather than issuing fines for breaches of the regulations.
“However we will continue to stand alongside our key public health stakeholders as well as the community and issue fines when required to ensure that people comply with the rules and keep the community safe”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “We all have a key role to play in the fight against Covid-19, and the vast majority of Wulfrunians have worked incredibly hard over the last few months to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Arranging and taking part in a rave like this contravenes just about every Covid-19 regulation going, and I am sure law abiding residents will be as disgusted as I am at the actions of others who, through their thoughtlessness, are putting people’s lives at risk.”