Police shut five unlicensed music events in breach of Covid-19 restrictions

By Jacob Paul

Police shut down five unlicensed music events and illegal gatherings in breach of coronavirus restrictions in South London on Saturday.

Locations included one on the South Bank, and one at The Arches in Southwark Street.

Another took place in Newport Street in Lambeth, one in Ruskin Park near Herne Hill, and one at the Apollo Business Centre in Surrey Canal Road between South Bermondsey and Deptford.

Commander Ade Adelekan said: “We take the reports of Covid-19 restrictions seriously and will listen to the concerns of local residents.

“Not only are unlicensed music events unsafe for many reasons, but they brazenly disregard the current Covid-19 restrictions.

“As well as music events there were numerous gatherings which flout the rule of six.”

The Met said it would continue to take robust action against those who breach the law and take part in illegal gatherings of any kind.

“The majority of the public have had to make sacrifices during this time, we will not let those who think they are above the law get away with this selfish behaviour,” said Commander Adelekan.

The Met said it hoped the arrests and subsequent fines likely to follow would “send a clear message to those who intend to flout the rules”.

Commander Ade Adelekan said: “If you think the next few days are an excuse to break the rules, think again. You will get caught, we will take action and impose the maximum sanctions.”

Event holders are liable to pay a £10,000 fixed penalty notice.