A RESTAURANT which breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions by hosting a wedding reception for 100 people is set to be punished.

Waheed’s Buffet and Banquet Hall in Randal Street, Blackburn, welcomed a wedding party of between 100-120 people through their doors on Sunday evening before coming to the attention of the authorities.

Following several calls of concern, officers entered the building and sent home those in attendance.

It is now understood that police are working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council to consider the level of enforcement action against the venue.

Blackburn is still subject to some of the country's strictest lockdown restrictions after its infection rate soared several weeks ago.

Supt Andrea Barrow, of Blackburn with Darwen Police, said: “Yesterday, we were called to reports of a wedding reception with 100 guests at Waheeds Buffet and Banqueting Hall in Randal Street, Blackburn. We attended and ensured the group were asked to disperse, which they did without further incident.

“We are now working with the local authority to consider the appropriate enforcement action to take.

“We understand that times are currently difficult for businesses across the borough and we know that the majority are complying with the coronavirus guidelines.

“We will continue to engage with people and explain the rules but we do want to be really clear that we will enforce them where we need to, especially around repeat offenders, significant gatherings and people who deliberately flout the regulations and put others at risk.”

On Saturday, the Duke of Wellington pub in Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, was ordered to close for repeatedly breaching Covid-19 guidelines, the first in the county to be shut down.

Council bosses have also confirmed that a bar in Blackburn was complained about over the weekend, but have not named the premises.

Councillor Phil Riley, executive member for growth and development, said: “We are aware of this incident at a wedding reception on Sunday night and are working closely with the police on enforcement measures. This was a breach of the current restrictions that state that only 30 people can attend a wedding and we are taking this incredibly seriously.

“Further complaints have also been received regarding a bar in Blackburn town centre where owners and customers were not following social distancing rules.

“Councils were given new powers in July to take action against premises that are not following the new restrictions and the council’s public protection unit will be using these.

“Most businesses in our borough comply with the regulations that are intended to keep people safe. It is incredibly disappointing when we have to take action against businesses who flout the rules.

“We are unable to comment on actions being taken in specific cases at the moment, but the council won’t allow venues to put people’s safety at risk. This is having an effect on everybody in the town. It is in everyone’s interest to bring the case numbers down so we can exit from the government’s restrictions as soon as we possibly can.”

Waheed’s manager Abdul Toheed said: “I would apologise if there was any misunderstanding. Many food establishments and bars are having the same issues.

“I cannot stop people turning up at the restaurant wanting to eat.

"Last night we had a group who were here and we had a full track and trace system as in place as they entered which we shared the police. There was no stage set-up and no decorations.

“It is actually busier here from a Monday to a Wednesday when we have the ‘Eat Out to help Out’ Scheme running. I don’t see the police or anyone making a fuss then?

“We were staffing it the same way with hand sanitisers at the entrance and other measures as we would have during the week.”