Busted: Pub poker party and birthday bash in empty shop broken up by police and fines given
Fines and reprimands have been given to participants of a poker party in a pub and a birthday bash in an empty shop.
The first gathering the force broke up was on March 5 and was found inside an empty shop on Lodge Road in Hockley, which had been turned into a venue for a birthday party.
Officers found 24 people packed into the tiny venue, with a full buffet, lots of alcohol and a four-piece band set up at the back.
Fines of £200 were issued to 12 of the adults present and six £1,000 fines to the band members and two organisers, with officers saying more people may have turned up if they had not arrived at the scene.
A second gathering was found inside the Station pub on Kings Heath High Street after officers were called by a member of the public around 11.20pm on March 6.
Around 20 people were issued with £800 fines, and the pub is now facing action for licensing offences.
ACC Chris Todd said: "Our officers take absolutely no pleasure from breaking up these gatherings and handing out fines, but they know it’s the right thing to do.
"It’s fantastic that we’ve got a roadmap out of lockdown, and that the vaccination programme appears to be progressing so well, but it’s vital we don’t blow it by relaxing too early.
"Our approach to policing the pandemic will move in line with the restrictions.
"We’re still several weeks away from 21 June, which is the earliest possible date that all legal limits on social contact could end.
"Between now and then, it’s vital that we stay focused on reducing contact and stopping the spread of the virus.
"We’ll continue to do our bit – and all we ask is that you help us."
