On March 6th, authorities in Blackburn, Lancashire apprehended 26 individuals participating in an illegal poker game at Roberto’s Bar. The assembly, documented on law enforcement body cameras, exposed a group that had journeyed from locations as distant as Nottingham and St Helens, entirely dismissing the active Covid-19 safety measures.
Every attendee received an £800 ($1100) penalty for their irresponsible actions, including the event coordinator. The establishment’s proprietor now faces possible legal repercussions. Video of the occurrence displays the individuals clustered around a pair of tables, beverages and playing cards in their possession, seemingly indifferent to the hazards they were incurring.
Further compounding the situation, the bar publicly refuted hosting any such event on their Facebook page. However, Lancashire Police are not taking the matter lightly. They are collaborating with local authorities to reassess the pub’s operating permit and potentially revoke it.
“Actions like this are a direct affront to everyone making significant sacrifices at this time,” expressed Sergeant Steve Dundon angrily. He stressed that this flagrant disregard for the regulations endangers lives and could even extend the lockdown for the entire community.
Assistant Chief Constable Terry Woods shared this outrage, labeling the gathering “a shameful disrespect to the NHS professionals putting their lives on the line caring for Covid patients.”