More than 70 fixed penalty notices issued for Covid breaches in Greater Manchester

The penalty notices were handed out on Friday and Saturday with breaches including a lack of social distancing in a licensed premises and a gathering of up to 100 people in south Manchester

While one pub in Didsbury voluntarly closed on Friday evening following a report from the public of social distancing rules being broken. Police and licensing officers from Manchester City Council attended and further visits have taken place to ensure the pub is now compliant.

Elsewhere on Friday in Fallowfield a resident called police at around 10.45pm after seeing a takeaway still serving customers – contravening 10pm curfew rules. A notice was issued during this incident.

In Bolton, 28 were issued at nine separate locations on Friday for indoor gatherings breaching Government rules.

At one address in Farnworth on Saturday, five separate households were found to be mixing. Seven notices were issued at this incident alone.

On Saturday, it was also believed that between 70 and 100 students were in attendance at a property in Withington, Manchester.

Police attended and found a very large gathering of people with some described as appearing "heavily intoxicated". Officers issued seven notices and a noise abatement order is also due to be made.

Also on Saturday officers were called to a house party in Fallowfield. When police arrived up to 20 people attempted to flee from the back of the property. Four notices were issued during this incident.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for environment regulatory services, Coun Hilary Fairclough, said: “The increased enforcement activity and spot checks across the weekend demonstrate our zero-tolerance approach for any businesses disregarding the restrictions.

"A Bolton business was also fined following a second breach and issued a second fixed penalty notice for flouting the restrictions currently put in place by the Government.

“Residents in Bolton should be aware that enforcement action in the form of the fines as issued this weekend is being taken. It is still against the law to meet people you do not live with in homes or gardens, inside or outside of the borough, unless they are in your support or child care bubble.

“Bolton Council will continue to work closely with GMP so residents and businesses face the consequences of their actions for ignoring the rules. If you live or have a business in Bolton and are unsure what you can and cannot do, it is important that you read the guidance on Bolton Council's website.”

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for neighbourhoods for Manchester City Council, said: "We support the hospitality trade and recognise its importance to the city.

"However, this is a reminder that premises have a responsibility during this pandemic to keep their customers and staff safe and we and our partners will take firm action against any establishments which do not take this seriously."