Camberwell nightclub closed after “flagrant disregard” of Covid regulations

A nightclub’s dance floor has been closed down after a raid “for its flagrant disregard for the health of everybody in the building”.

Planet Nollywood in Camberwell Road, Camberwell, had music equipment seized as town hall inspectors started court proceedings against the business.

Southwark council officers inspected the premises several times as part of its weekly Covid operations.

But despite all of the advice and warnings they gave, the business carried on breaching Covid regulations.

This resulted in a joint council and police raid, on the night of Friday, September 18.

They found most staff were ignorant of Covid regulations. CCTV footage from September 12 and August 8 confirmed the premises had been illegally and dangerously operating as a nightclub.

The council served a prohibition notice to close the ground floor, and amplifiers were seized to prevent the premises operating as a nightclub.

Council officers also explained current restrictions to the owner.

The council is taking further prosecution action under current Covid-19 legislation.

Inspectors have been carrying out 24-hour checks on companies, since full lockdown rules were first relaxed, working with the Met, contacted thousands and visited hundreds of businesses in the borough, making sure that they understand their responsibilities and are abiding by the law.

Southwark council is cracking down on firms which repeatedly ignore advice and instructions from its Covid taskforce.

The council’s statement said it would “not tolerate those who openly flaunt the government’s Covid restrictions and the law, putting the people of Southwark at risk”.

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for public health and community safety, said: “While we are working with many businesses, and helping them to play their part in keeping people safe, it has become clear that a small minority are repeatedly failing themselves, their staff and their customers.

“Despite all of our warnings, Planet Nollywood continued to flout the rules and ignore officer advice.

“We will meet this, and all such irresponsible and dangerous behaviour, with legal action under Covid-19 and other appropriate legislation.

“With rates of infection rising across London, and nationally, is it vital that we all follow the rules and do the right thing.”

Police enforce legal Covid-19 restrictions, and issue fines of £100, doubling for further breaches, up to a maximum of £3,200.

Pictured top: Planet Nollywood