Walthamstow and Leyton venues busted for flouting Covid rules – £49k in fines handed out
Shisha and drinks on Hoe Street spark police raids
Officers swooped on a venue in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, on the evening of Friday 29 January after spotting an open shutter. Inside, three people were caught smoking shisha and drinking. They claimed they were just waiting for food, but no order was found.
All three were slapped with £200 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). This venue had previously been fined in November 2020 for breaking Covid regulations. The Council is now weighing up tougher action for this repeat offender.
Massive Leytonstone gathering shut down – 22 fined up to £800 each
Later that night, loud voices led police to a packed venue on High Road, Leytonstone. Around 22 people were caught drinking and smoking while waiting for grilled food. New powers allowed police to dish out fines as hefty as £800 each for such large groups.
On top of that, Council officers shut down the food business due to multiple hygiene failures.
Lea Bridge Rd venue raided – 35 caught trying to hide, bosses fined £10k each
Just as officers dealt with the Leytonstone crowd, a tip-off sent them to another hotspot on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton. Inside, 35 revellers were found crammed in, with some scrambling to escape via a neighbouring building.
Police discovered alcohol and a price list, suggesting an illegal event. The gathering was broken up safely. The venue’s director and leaseholder were hit with massive £10,000 fines each.
Police and council chiefs slam blatant rule-breakers
“There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are in the throes of a deadly pandemic; and the fact some businesses continue to function in direct contradiction of the current restrictions quite frankly beggars belief,” said Superintendent Waheed Khan of the Metropolitan Police.
“Police officers and special constables are working closely with councils and other groups to make sure that the rules – in place to save lives and protect the NHS – are being followed. Please do your bit to help these officers who are working hard to protect you.”
Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Clyde Loakes added: “By this point there can be no-one claiming to be unaware of the serious situation we are in and the responsibilities we all have to try and stop the spread of Covid-19. I’m disappointed that officers are risking their safety because a small minority simply don’t care.”
“We all want to keep our vulnerable friends and family safe so we can celebrate together. The vaccine rollout offers hope, so it’s irresponsible to put people’s safety at risk now.”
In total, more than £49,400 in fines were issued that evening, along with a penalty notice for cannabis possession.
