TWENTY six people have been fined for taking part in a poker tournament in an office above a town centre restaurant.

Coronavirus rule breakers travelled from as far as Nottingham to take part in the competition, which took place in a room above Roberto's bar and restaurant on Richmond Terrace, Blackburn. 

Officers were alerted to the gathering at around 7pm on Saturday. 

They found a party in full swing, with several people playing poker across two large tables with food and drink being consumed.

A total of 26 £800 fixed penalty notices were issued – including to people who had travelled from as far as Nottingham and St Helens to attend the event.

In addition, the organiser and person responsible for the building has been reported for summons.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Superintendent Abid Khan said: "There is a real health risk with these kinds of incidents. People have a moral responsibility to stick to the rules. I can understand, as a police officer, the minor breaches that families may make.

"But to have a poker game with people travelling across the country with complete disregard for public health and the disregard for the fact we have to send significant resources is not acceptable. 

"We've had a really busy weekend with all kinds of operational issues going on and these people tie us up in knots.

"We have all kinds of things going on that we genuinely need to see to as emergency jobs and then we end up sorting things like this. It is totally irresponsible and selfish."

In August the establishment was closed down by the council after it was found to be breaching pandemic rules by letting too many people inside.

A spokesman for the business has commented, stating the poker party has 'nothing to do' with the bar. 

They said: "This had nothing to do with Roberto’s Bar and Grill. The police gained access saying there was a burglary going on.

“Once inside they searched the restaurant and found nothing. The poker game was in an office which is leased under another company, Women of Richmond Ltd. This has its own access and exit.

“The police left through an exit on Richmond Terrace not through Roberto's.”

A search on Companies House reveals that the company Women of Richmond Ltd is owned by the same man who owns Roberto's, John Rowe.

Lancashire Police licensing and Blackburn with Darwen Council are now considering whether to seek a review of the premises licence