Five times Southampton restaurants and pubs broke Covid rules

Rules have banned the gathering of large groups, and restaurants and pubs have been forced to close their doors completely at times due to high infection levels.

With tougher rules in place, there have been occasions where landlords and owners have received hefty fines or even lost their license to trade as a result of a breach.

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From wedding parties to menu testing, below are five times, restaurants or pubs broke Covid rules in Southampton:

Cattle Steakhouse, Southampton

Cattle Steakhouse

On January 24, 2021, people were spotted drinking and socialising at this restaurant at Hanover Buildings.

The owner, a 37-year-old, claimed the people had been there to taste-test and provide feedback on his new menu.

He was reported for summons in relation to a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for a "blatant breach" of regulations and officers are currently working with Southampton City Council to review the restaurant's licence.

Read the full story here.

Ceno Bar and Restaurant, Southampton

Ceno Bar and Restaurant

This restaurant eventually had it's licence revoked in January after a police report revealed a breach involving 15 people.

The people were found to be "drinking" at the venue on Highfield Lane on November 27, 2020 - when the country was under the second national lockdown.

The decision was taken to revoke the licence by licensing bosses at Southampton City Council after a three-hour long meeting on January 26.

Read the full story here.

The Bitterne Park Hotel

Bitterne Park Hotel

On December 24, 2020, police stumbled upon a group of around "40 people drinking alcohol" in a staff-only area at this pub in Cobden Avenue.

Officers broke up the gathering after they received a report of four people "who appeared to be going to a party".

According to police, the people moving freely around the staff room without masks and the pub was then issued a £1,000 fine.

Read the full story here.

Kuti's Brasserie, Southampton

Kuti's Brasserie

On October 24, 2020, this restaurant on Town Quay hosted a wedding reception of more than 30 people.

The owner was fined £1,000 for the breach which was branded "disappointing" by police.

A 39-year-old man, was also served a £200 fine for breaching the rule of six.

Read the full story here.

Iroko Lounge Onslow Road 11 Southampton

Iroko Lounge

This breach was branded “the worst breach” of the Covid-19 rules across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight when it took place on August 23, 2020.

A police report revealed that more than 100 people attended a party at the venue and there was no evidence of social distancing, no Covid-19 risk assessment and track and trace details “did not exist”.

No-one was charged or arrested in connection with the incident but the license for the premises was revoked until November.

Read the full story here.