Rule of Six Partying UWE students fined £200 for rules breach

POLICE have fined 21 University of the West of England (UWE) students after having parties in their accommodation.

During the past week, the students have been handed penalties of £200 each for breaching the rule of six on Frenchay campus.

UWE has warned this behaviour could lead to eviction and suspensions if it continues.

There is now an “extra police presence” on its campuses to “monitor breaches of Covid-19 regulations and issue fines if needed”, the university said.

In a statement last week, it said: “Sadly, over the last week, Avon and Somerset police have issued a large number of fines and official warnings to students on our campuses, for disregarding the university rules, breaking the law, and putting our community at risk.

“These were in response to students not following the rule of six, and for having guests and parties in accommodation.

“Under the student conduct policy, disciplinary routes could lead to students being evicted from student accommodation and/or suspension, if they continue to put themselves and others at risk.”

PC Simon Topps pointed out students living in densely populated accommodation pose a greater risk of spreading the virus.

He added: “Some will live with, or in close proximity to, those who could be significantly affected by the virus. There are also vulnerable members of society who students share the community with.

“Our approach throughout has been to support students in following the regulations by engaging with them, explaining the law and giving encouragement to do the right thing.

“We will continue this approach and provide an opportunity to disperse or accept a warning.

“However, where people are knowingly breaching the regulations there to protect us all, we will move more quickly to enforcement by issuing a fine.”

UWE said these actions have been taken “in the best interests of our students and staff, the wider community and the NHS”.

The university added: “We all have a duty to adhere to the law, and to keep ourselves and others safe. The Covid-19 pandemic poses a huge risk to our community, and we will only defeat it by working together.”