Warning against attending unlicensed music events and gatherings in Staffordshire
People in Staffordshire are being urged to not attend gatherings or unlicensed music events for Valentine's Day.
Staffordshire Police officers have been made aware that people may want to celebrate the occasion by socialising with others – but are being reminded that national lockdown restrictions remain in place.
In previous years, officers have received reports of so-called anti-Valentine's Day events, with groups of students attending unlicensed music events – particularly in student accommodation.
Superintendent Thomas Chisholm, head of neighbourhood policing for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: "We appreciate Valentine’s Day can be a special time for people looking to celebrate with loved ones as well as friends.
“But, it is more important than ever to stick to your social bubble and with those who live in your household as we do all our best to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“We have no intelligence as to whether any unlicensed music events is due to take place in the county, however, we want to make sure people continue to do their upmost to follow the rules.”
People facilitating or organising illegal raves, unlicensed music events or any other unlawful gathering of 30 people or more may face a £10,000 fine for breaching coronavirus restrictions.
Anyone found attending any gathering of people from different households may receive an individual fine of £200 or more depending on whether individuals have been repeatedly reported for breaches.
Anyone attending a house party of more than 15 people, may be individually fined £800.
