A SOUTHAMPTON restaurant could have its licence suspended following “a clear and blatant breach of coronavirus rules".

About 15 people were found drinking at Ceno Bar and Restaurant in Highfield Lane on November 27 last year when the country was under the second national lockdown, it has been revealed.

A police officer who entered the venue after he found the door to be ajar, discovered the group laughing and talking and surrounded by drinks.

A report by Hampshire Constabulary revealed that the lights were turned off, “nobody was wearing any face masks” and there was no “consideration to being socially distant”.

According to the report, a man called James Darby was identified as the licence holder and the designated premises supervisor (DPS).

But he refused to turn the lights on and declined to empty out the premises of those present arguing, they were working and having a drink before leaving, the report said.

In the report a police officer said: “It was only at the point I called up for further units to assist with the clearing of the premises and to consider prosecuting others that Darby thanked everyone and this was a clear indication to them, from him that it was now time to leave and they began to do so.

“Darby, by thanking everybody for their help, created a charade as the customers reciprocated with rather exaggerated thanks and thumbs up, and a ‘we’ll be back in for work tomorrow’.

“If this situation we found ourselves in wasn’t so serious it would have been comical.”

The police officer was then told that those at the venue were investors in the business, according to the report.

The force is now asking for the premises licence to be suspended for four weeks and for Mr Darby to be removed from his post.

In his statement the police officer added: “As the licence holder and DPS Darby has full responsibility to know and adhere to the restrictions in place at the time of my visit and when I discovered my findings.

“Therefore I can only argue that this was a clear and blatant breach of regulations. This lockdown was nationwide.

“People are becoming ill and people are dying as a result of the coronavirus. Darby has no regard for this it seems and nor do the customers who were frequenting his premises at the time of my visit.”

Southampton MPs condemned the breach.

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said “a change in supervision is right”.

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said the rules were put in place to protect lives.

“Those involved in this breach might feel it’s worth the risk for them, but is it worth the risk for the people they might infect?”, he added.

The police are also asking for “a comprehensive CCTV system” and staff training to be added to the premises licence.

The Licensing Sub-Committee at Southampton City Council will review the licence during a virtual meeting set to be held today at 10am.

Ceno was approached for comment but had not responded at the time the Daily Echo went to press.