Sheffield shisha bar raided for operating illegally in lockdown

Fines were issued after a Sheffield shisha bar was raided and found to be operating illegally during lockdown.
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Police and Sheffield Council officials swooped at the bar on Wicker in the city centre last night and fined the owner for failing to adhere to Covid restrictions.

South Yorkshire Police said the raid was organised after advice about coronavirus rules issued on previous visits was ignored.

Police raided a shisha bar operating illegally in Sheffield during the current coronavirus lockdown (Photo: Getty)Police raided a shisha bar operating illegally in Sheffield during the current coronavirus lockdown (Photo: Getty)
Police raided a shisha bar operating illegally in Sheffield during the current coronavirus lockdown (Photo: Getty)
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A total of 20 people, including the bar owner, were found inside.

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They were all issued with £200 fines for breaching health protection regulations and the owner was handed an additional £2,000 fine.

Seventy shisha pipes were removed from the premises.

Inspector John Mallows said: “We want the public to know that police and local authorities will take action to address Covid- 19 breaches and the warrant last night is one example of our partnership working to tackle repeated issues.

“This location has been subject of numerous reports of breaches from the local community, which is understandably causing the community frustration.

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“Both police and council staff have visited previously and warned about further enforcement, which we have now taken because the location continued to be a cause for concern.

“The regulations and restrictions are in place to keep the public safe and ultimately, to prevent the spread of this virus and save lives.

“Individuals who seek to ignore the rules and put both theirs and other lives at risk will face enforcement action.”

Councillor Mark Jones said: “We work closely with South Yorkshire Police to investigate reports of businesses who are not Covid-compliant.

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“We know it is very difficult for businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and entertainment sectors at the moment, but everyone has to make sacrifices, we must all play our part in slowing the spread and protecting lives.

“It is our duty to make sure people uphold the current legislation and as we have demonstrated in this enforcement, we will take action against those who flout the rules.

“We’re grateful to those for bringing these matters to our attention and ask that people report issues to us so that as well as enforcement, we can advise businesses how to be compliant and point them to the range of support that is available.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.