A gathering of 26 individuals were apprehended in the act during a flagrant violation of quarantine regulations, engaging in an unlawful card game competition hosted in an upper level space at Roberto’s Tavern in Blackburn. The occurrence, transpiring on March 6th, was documented on body camera footage obtained by Lancashire Constabulary. Every attendee was issued a substantial £800 ($1100) penalty for their reckless conduct.
Adding to the astonishment, several participants had journeyed from distant locations like Nottingham and St Helens to partake in this prohibited assembly. The audacity displayed by these persons to disregard the well-being of others amidst a worldwide health crisis is genuinely appalling.
Further exacerbating the situation, Roberto’s Tavern, in a frantic bid to shirk accountability, resorted to social media to refute any awareness of the event. Nevertheless, their assertions were swiftly discredited by Lancashire Constabulary, who verified their collaboration with the municipal authorities to re-evaluate the tavern’s operating permit.
This episode ignited widespread indignation among both law enforcement personnel and the general populace. Sergeant Steve Dundon censured the assembly, proclaiming that such irresponsible behavior not only jeopardizes lives but also extends the duration of the lockdown for all. Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods reiterated this sentiment, emphasizing that the event was a blatant affront to the dedicated healthcare professionals placing themselves at risk on the front lines of the pandemic.