Cops raid Sheffield shisha bar over Covid breaches after four people found inside
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Officers and and Sheffield City Council officials executed a search warrant at premises on the Wicker last weekend, discovering four people inside.
They were found in a flat above the shisha bar and were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices for £200 each for an unlawful gathering.
Fifty shisha pipes were also seized.
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Hide AdInspector Ali Bywater said: “This warrant follows concerns we received from members of the local community, who have been left incredibly frustrated by the irresponsible and selfish actions of those who continue to gather and potentially spread the virus.
“I'd like to thank all those who are continuing to adhere to the restrictions in place. People are making huge sacrifices to slow the spread so I can understand it is infuriating when others seem to think they can carry on with their lives as normal and put others at risk.”Councillor Mark Jones, Cabinet Member for Environment, Streetscene and Climate Change at Sheffield City Council, said: “We know that these are extremely difficult and frustrating times for businesses, and I want to thank the vast majority who are doing their utmost to be Covid-19-secure, but where establishments, such as this one, repeatedly ignore the rules and jeopardise both theirs and other people’s lives, we must take action.“It is extremely disappointing that the police have to spend valuable time dealing with those who act irresponsibly and with no regard for the wellbeing of others. Anybody not taking the current Covid-19 crisis seriously needs to examine their selfish and reckless behaviour.
“We sincerely appreciate the work of the police in addressing the behaviour and also the public for raising the alarm on these matters. We ask that people continue to report issues to us so that we can work with businesses to comply with restrictions and advise them on the range of support that is available.”A neighbouring shisha bar on the Wicker was raided last weekend, when more than a dozen FPNs were issued. The same venue was reported to police in November last year, again resulting in multiple fines and seizures.