The group were caught by officers in Gosport, Hants and reported for breaching coronavirus restrictions last Saturday.
š· Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
2
2
One of the revellers even told officers they were completely unaware of the global pandemic – and didnāt know they were breaking any rules.
Gosport Police wrote on Twitter yesterday: āLast night persons were reported for breaching COVID-19 regulations, after holding a hot tub party in the back garden.
āOne occupant claimed they were unaware of the global pandemic, and he was almost arrested after refusing to provide his details!ā
The Sun Online has contacted Hampshire Police for comment.
It comes as cops pledged to crack down on Brits hosting illegal gatherings during lockdown.Ā
This will double each time a person breaks the rules to a maximum of Ā£6,400.
Under current lockdown rules, Brits can only meet one person from another household outdoors for exercise.Ā
Meanwhile, Brits who organise a large gathering of over 30 people can be slapped with a Ā£10,000 fine.
Anyone attending a smaller gathering of less than fifteen people will also receive a Ā£200 fine.
Police chief Martin Hewitt told a Downing Street briefing those organising parties were āselfishly putting lives at riskā and cops would no longer āwaste time trying to reason with themā.Ā
Most read in News
Matt Hancock to hold a press conference at 5pm TONIGHT
Boris Johnson confirms some UK lockdown rules could be lifted in THREE WEEKS
5-month-old baby killed and mum fighting for life after being hit by a van
Gran, 92, dies of Covid days after having vaccine as ‘jab hadn’t taken effect’
Teen who battered lover, 15, to death over Ā£2k blackmail plot is jailed
Covid jab questions answered – when you can hug again to delaying 2nd dose
He also revealed that 250 Ā£10,000 fines have been issued since August last year to people organising large parties.Ā
It comes as police broke up a huge rave under a railway arch in Hackney, East London with over 300 people in attendance on Saturday night.
The Met Police confirmed they dished out more than Ā£15,000 in Covid fines to around 78 rulebreakers.
What you could be fined for
You could face a fine for:
- Being out of your home without a reasonable excuse as below
- Travelling abroad or going on holiday during the lockdown period – as this is not a reasonable excuse
- Breaking Covid rules by having others outside your household inside your home
- Meeting people outside your household outside – unless it’s one person for exercise alone
- Hosting a gathering – this could see you get a fine of up to Ā£10,000
- Businesses or venues can be fined up to Ā£10,000 too for continuing to operate despite being ordered to shut
- Not wearing a face covering on public transport or in shops
“Reasonable” excuses for being out of your home include:
- Work: If you have to go to work as you really can’t work from home, this will be allowed. Key workers such as those who work for the police, or NHS, will be permitted to do so
- School: only for the kids of key workers or vulnerable pupils
- Exercise: Boris will continue to allow unlimited exercise outdoors. That means people can carry on going for walks, runs and other forms of exercise outdoors if they wish. You can do that with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household
- Food, drink & supplies: People will still be allowed out to collect food and drink – such as at the supermarket, or take-aways
- Medical appointments: Everyone will be urged to continue to attend hospital and doctor appointments if they need to
- To escape injury or harm; those at risk of harm are allowed to leave their current home and move elsewhere
- To provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer: people will still be allowed to travel to care for people who need it, or attend volunteer work tooĀ
Cops find Covidiot students hiding in a CUPBOARD after 50 people cram into Birmingham flat for lockdown party