Police in Hackney took action against a large unlicensed music event held on New Year’s Eve 2020, where up to 200 people gathered in breach of Covid regulations. The illegal party posed a significant risk to public health and caused disruption within the local community.
Officers were called to disperse the crowd to prevent potential disorder and to protect both the public and police personnel. Following a detailed investigation by the 1 Neighbourhood Policing Team, a 23-year-old man from Hackney was issued a £10,000 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) on 8 April 2021. He is suspected of organising the event.
Silver Commander Superintendent Bruce Riddell commented on the incident, stating: “This event increased the risk of transmission of Coronavirus and also caused disruption to the community.”
He added, “The vast majority of people within our communities have and continue to do all they can to stop the spread of Coronavirus and for this we would like to thank them.”
“Overall cases seem to be falling but regulations remain in place which are there to protect us all, particularly around large gatherings.”
“Where people wilfully and blatantly ignore the regulations, particularly by gathering in large numbers, we will issue FPNs or use other enforcement such as dispersal or arrest.”
“This incident caused concern in the community at the time and should serve as a warning to anyone considering such illegal gatherings.”
Police in Thames Valley have pledged to maintain strong enforcement against Covid law breakers, with large parties remaining prohibited and organisers facing substantial penalties.
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