Party organisers slapped with fines of up to £10,000
THE ORGANISERS of illegal raves, gatherings and unlicensed parties could face fines of up to £10,000 from Friday when a new law comes into force ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
Anyone hosting unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people could face the tough sanction.
It has been brought in by the Government to try to limit events that it says pose the most risk of spreading coronavirus.
The partygoers can also expect £100 fines – which will now be doubled on each subsequent offence to a maximum of £3,200.
It is also in a bid to stem the violence seen towards police who have attended such events.
Officers across the country have been pelted with objects and attacked when they have tried to break up illegal raves and so-called block and street parties, with London and Manchester most affected.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “These gatherings are dangerous and those who organise them show a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
“I am pleased the police have already stepped up their response and I am giving them the tools they need to continue to keep us safe.
“We will continue to crack down on the small minority who think they are above the law.”
The Metropolitan Police has responded to more than 1,000 unlicensed events since the end of June, getting information on more than 200 events across the city in a single weekend.
Last week two teenagers were stabbed at a warehouse rave in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
In Manchester a 27-year-old woman, said to be the organiser of large illegal gatherings over two consecutive evenings was fined £100 and given an anti-social behaviour banning order preventing anyone outside the household from entering the property.
The new offence will apply to gatherings of over 30 people which are in private dwellings, on boats, or in public outdoor spaces.
It comes as the National Police Chiefs’ Council warned forces in England and Wales will continue to increase patrols to prevent illegal gatherings during the pandemic heading into the bank holiday weekend. In some areas of concern – such as Leicester and Greater Manchester – deployments have already been larger than on Newyear’s Eve.
NPCC Lead for Unlicensed Music Events, Commander Ade Adelekan, said: “We welcome this further deterrent against those who irresponsibly put people’s health and safety at risk by organising these events.
“Unlicensed music events are unlawful and unregulated.
“These events are hosted without regard for the safety of those attending, and police have observed cases of anti-social behaviour, sales of drugs and gang activity.
“It is vital that forces obtain information about any illegal events at the earliest opportunity.
“As organisers spread the word about these events quickly online, timely information about suspicious activity or plans enables forces to take effective action against them.
“To the organisers of this sort of activity, I strongly advise that you seriously consider the risks you’re creating for everyone in attendance and the wider community.
“There is a risk of prosecution for those who organise these events and equipment will be seized.”
‘We welcome this deterrent’