Bar’s ‘mistake’ over crowd

POLICE WERE called to the kosher Tish Bar & Restaurant in Belsize Park on Thursday evening last week after a member of the public reported a “large gathering” at a function there.

Although the caller mentioned around 100 people, the Metropolitan Police said it could not verify numbers.

“Officers attended as the group were leaving the venue. No arrests were made and advice was given to the organiser and owner,” the police stated.

According to government guidelines, a maximum of 30 people are allowed at wedding ceremonies and celebrations.

A Tish Bar spokesman explained that before the event, it had received “specialist advice” on Covid-19 safety for the hospitality sector.

“The advice stated that given the size of our premises, it was possible to hold an event with full social distancing for more than 30 people and on this basis the event went ahead. In light of new advice from the police, we have now changed our policy to a maximum of 30 guests per sitting.”

A spokesman for the kashrut division of the London Beth Din (KLBD), which licenses the Tish Bar, said the authority had spoken at length to the business.

“An honest mistake appears to have been made. Nevertheless, we are pleased that they have changed their policy in line with government guidelines. It is very important that all restaurants and caterers continue to follow government advice at this challenging time.”

In light of new advice from police, we have changed our policy’