Second Covid-break fine in Hackney: what’s wrong with them?

IN AN ECHO of the domino-playing incident in Tower Hamlets, where a group of men thought they would gather in a restaurant basement to play dominoes, a group of men have been found at a social club in Hackney – playing cards.

This was the second offence in Hackney in as many days and occurred the day before a gym was fined for staying open to users, in breach of lockdown regulations, which require gyms to stay closed.

It was around 10pm on 7th January when police received reports that a number of men had been seen going into a social club on Stoke Newington Road. Officers went to the Club, and found 13 men – unlucky for some – playing cards. Police dished out Fixed Penalty Notices to those present and have reported the incident to Hackney Council, which has the power to fine the owner too.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw, from the Central East BCU, said, “My officers work incredibly hard, putting themselves at risk of catching this virus, to keep those in Hackney and Tower Hamlets safe. It is very disappointing when officers have to deal with groups of people who appear to think that these rules do not apply to them.

“To make it very clear, anyone who is seen to be breaking the rules to hold or attend a house party or an unlicensed music event can expect to be fined by the police and the event shut down. We need to be doing everything we can as a community to try and keep ourselves, our family and friends as safe as possible and to reduce the burden on the NHS.”

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