A club in Woolwich has been fined £3,000 and could lose its licence after police caught it hosting over 300 crowded people on the eve of the second lockdown, despite already being caught out before.

Officers found the Treff Haus Purple Venue Club opening in breach of lockdown restrictions after CCTV footage revealed customers leaving the club on Woolwich New Road after 10pm on 30 October.

This is despite coronavirus regulations during Tier 2 requiring businesses and venues to ensure that customers consume food and drink only while seated, and close by 10pm until 5am.

But despite a council officer visiting the business to warn the owners, the club then hosted a huge social event on November 4.

Police were called to the club and discovered over 300 people on the premises and a total disregard for social distancing rules. No arrests were made.

Cllr Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said: “Our Environmental Health teams will take action to protect the public and ultimately help reduce the spread of the virus.

"Businesses that wilfully operate without regard for the law or the safety of our residents will face fines being imposed.”

A pub in Woolwich was previously fined £1,000 after it was caught breaching the 10pm curfew.

More than 50 businesses were visited by council workers at the end of September, with several given warnings, and the Albion on Woolwich Church Street was fined for failing to comply with the rules.

This Is Local London:

Throughout the pandemic, we continue to work with businesses across the borough providing advice on when and how they can operate safely. The team carries out proactive visits and give advice online. They also respond to concerns raised by residents.

If you are a business or member of the public and have concerns about a business operating in breach of COVID-19 restrictions please contact the team by emailing health@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.