Police raid pub during lockdown and ‘find customers hiding in cupboards’

Police have confirmed they raided a pub during the lockdown and found punters hiding in cupboards, breaching regulations.

After the police received a tip-off police went to the Pitsmoor Hotel, Sheffield on Friday and quickly found the pub was serving customers alcohol.

John O’Malley, Liquor Licensing Manager at South Yorkshire Police, told the BBC, “On Friday night, officers attended the premises and found a number of people hiding in cupboards, the pub was clearly still open for business.

“What makes this more significant, is that the licence holder has already been served a prohibition notice under the legislation for another premise, The Staffordshire Arms on Sorby Street.

“Licences for both venues are now under review by ourselves and Sheffield City Council, so there could be long-term implications for these businesses.”

Cllr Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Development at Sheffield City Council said. “These restrictions are in place to protect everyone from the spread of coronavirus.

“Hundreds of people are still dying in the UK amidst this pandemic and whilst I am heartened by the sacrifices the vast majority of individuals and responsible businesses are making during this lockdown period, it seems some appear to believe they can ignore the regulations and in doing so risk spreading the virus.

“In these cases, as we have shown here, we will follow up on complaints and take firm action.

“This license holder has ignored the restrictions, despite having another premises shut down, and may now face additional consequences around the future of these licenses.

“We ask members of the public to continue reporting their concerns so that we can protect our NHS and protect lives.”

Last month a pub was shut down after breaking the law by holding “lock-ins” during the coronavirus UK wide lockdown.

The Blue Bell pub in Nottinghamshire were “putting lives in danger” police said, as they deliberately broke the law.

The government announced on 23 March that all pubs, restaurants, bars and non-essential shops are to close.

In March, Police were in total “shock” when they attended a “karaoke party” on a Saturday evening during the coronavirus lockdown.

Despite the unprecedented lockdown across the UK, 25 adults and children attended “massive” party and Derbyshire police said they were in “absolute shock” when they attended the address.

The police force said on Twitter, “Officers have just attended an address in absolute shock to find 25 adults and children having a massive party with speakers and karaoke.

“Everyone dispersed and hosts dealt with.”