Police and Council 'cannot prevent' Sheffield wedding with 150 guests after social-distancing concerns

The wedding is planned to be held at the Maya Suite on Charles Street at 6pm this evening (Thursday, August 6).

The Star understands South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council have received a complaint saying that 150 people are expected to be at the event.

The venue's owner said he held talks with police and council officials this afternoon - and insisted he would 'not break the law'.

Mr Khan - who would not give his first name - said if the authorities provided a maximum number of attendees, he would have staff on the door to ensure no extras turn up.

He hires out the venue on a room-only basis and clients arrange for their own caters to provide food and drinks.

Earlier today, he said: "I know the event was reported to the council and police and they are coming to assess it today and if they give a maximum number then that is the number that will be allowed in, no more. I would not break the law.

"It seems that somebody is hell bent on this wedding not going ahead."

Greg Fell, director of Public Health in Sheffield, said that while Sheffield City Council did ‘not support or endorse’ the event, the authority can only enforce the law and under current coronavirus legislation cannot take steps to prevent it.

He said: "The venue owners and the families concerned have gone to great lengths to ensure a COVID secure environment and arrangements have been clearly set out.

"We have stressed the importance that these are strictly followed at all times, to protect everyone present and prevent transmission of the virus.

"Physical contacts have been limited to zero and there will be no kissing, hugging or handshakes, guests will not congregate in the foyer or other areas, no children will be present, each table will contain family bubbles only, and there will be a contact register for all attending. If there is a case of infection all guests will be classed as contacts and will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

"I have strongly advised that all guests practice good hand hygiene, and that particular attention is given to preventing infection in those guests with medical conditions or those who are older as they are at far higher risk.

"Our officers will be present on entry to provide advice to guests and the venue is working with our Environmental Health team to address any concerns.

"We are well aware that there are lots of inconsistencies within the guidance, particularly around gatherings and events. The guidance is not in line with the legislation and leaves Local Authorities in very difficult situations, just like this one. We will be seeking clarification nationally on the legal position, and clearer understanding between the guidance and the law.

"We must be clear that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Currently Sheffield is in a good position in terms of infection rate but this will change very quickly if the guidance is not strictly observed."

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The event is not prohibited under current Coronavirus Regulations and as such, police have no powers to prevent this event from taking place, or restrict numbers attending.“Covid-19 remains very much in circulation, we would remind people to observe social distancing guidelines, and the measures put in place at the venue to keep those attending safe.”

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