£10,000 fine for man who threw party in city for nearly 90 people
HE USED ONLINE AGENCY TO
BOOK LACE MARKET VENUE
THE organiser behind one of the biggest illegal parties held in Nottingham during the pandemic has received the maximum Covid breach fine.
A 22-year-old man is believed to have booked a venue in Pilcher Gate in the Lace Market using an online booking agency.
Police officers were called to the property at 12.40am on Saturday, April 10 following reports from neighbours.
The force said they were astonished at the number of people at the venue. Party-goers were found hiding in a laundry room, bathrooms and lifts. Officers also saw people running into the basement and a number of people also tried to leave through a fire escape. Some had travelled from outside the county.
The organiser has now been given the maximum £10,000 fine, which will be halved if paid within the next two weeks. If this is not paid he will then be charged and appear in court.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Steve Cooper said: “We have now identified the party organiser and issued him with the maximum fixed penalty notice. The tactic of renting properties for large gatherings won’t stop officers tracking down individuals. This was a party which happened less than two weeks ago, so there is absolutely no excuse for anyone not knowing the rules and fol- lowing them.
“While there have been some recent changes with the easing of some of lockdown measures, having illegal gatherings like this is most certainly not allowed and may not be for some time to come, depending what happens with the virus levels.
“Like we have said many times before, the vast majority of residents have responded brilliantly to the pandemic and followed the rules and as a result lives have been saved. But where people take deliberate acts like this we will still come down hard on such individuals as this is not acceptable.” A total of 85 people were issued fixed penalty notices of £800 each at the party - a combined £68,000. The party came just days before pubs and bars opened their outdoor areas on April 12. Mr Cooper added: “We must remember that whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel and lockdown restrictions are easing, we must still familiarise ourselves and abide by the regulations that are in place. “This is to protect the NHS, save lives and ensure the hard work that is being done to vaccinate people and allow these restrictions to ease is irreversible.”
The tactic of renting properties for large gatherings won’t stop officers tracking down individuals. ACC Steve Cooper