A PUB landlord is set to be slapped with a £1,000 fine for hosting a birthday party in breach of coronavirus rules.

Licencing officers spotted people drinking alcohol, playing pool, standing in groups and playing table football at the Elephant & Castle in Totton on Saturday evening.

Police say drinkers were consuming alcohol at tables where they had not ordered food, while "minimal" food was being prepared in the kitchen.

CCTV was checked and customers were seen walking into the pub, standing at the bar, walking around with face masks, and drinking numerous beverages without meals.

A birthday party was seen in progress with people mixing between household groups.

Officers spoke to the landlord before reporting him for summons and handing him a fixed penalty notice for a "blatant breach" of regulations.

Police will now carry out with to ensure that the pub follows guidelines in future.

PS Robert Cohen from the force’s licensing team said: “This was a blatant breach of the current Health Protection Regulations. We are working hard to ensure that everyone is observing the restrictions in place and is safe during the pandemic.

“The guidelines in place around hospitality are clear, it is very disappointing therefore that this pub felt that it was appropriate to put everyone at risk and operate as if the pandemic is not taking place. We are working with partners, including the city council, to ensure where businesses or individuals breach the regulations, that this is addressed quickly to provide reassurance to the community..

“We hope this sends a message to other businesses that breaching the regulations will be dealt with robustly to ensure everyone’s safety”.