The owner of a west London wedding venue could face a £10,000 fine after police shut down a reception attended by more than 100 people.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the Tudor Rose in Southall on Tuesday evening and say they found a large number of people in breach of coronavirus regulations.
Body-worn video footage from the Met showed a crowd of guests who were not social distancing or taking other steps to prevent transmission of the virus.
Under current guidance, the number of guests allowed at weddings is limited to 15 people – and venues must adhere to Covid-secure guidelines.
The crowds were dispersed by officers to ensure guest numbers complied with the law.
Senior officers reported the owner of the venue for consideration of a £10,000 fixed penalty notice for the clear breach of regulations.
Area commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, said: “This was a dangerous and foolish breach of the regulations, which have been designed specifically to keep people safe from transmitting a deadly virus.
“Restrictions on large gatherings, such as weddings, have been in place for months and quite frankly there can be no excuse for this flagrant and arrogant violation of the law.
“There was clearly no attempt by the venue owner to enforce the regulations or keep their patrons safe – it is for this reason we have reported them for a £10,000 fine.”
It comes as London braces itself for tighter restrictions, after announcements that alert levels in the capital are to increase from “medium” to “high” from midnight on Friday.
“Everyone has a responsibility to keep themselves, and their families, safe from coronavirus,” said Ch Supt Gardner.
“As cases of coronavirus rise across London, officers throughout the Met will be redoubling our efforts to clamp down on those individuals and businesses who breach the regulations and put themselves, and others at risk.”
HuffPost UK has approached the owner of the Tudor Rose for comment.