Landlord and five drinkers at Sunderland Wheatsheaf pub issues with fines after being caught drinking in the pub during lockdown

Covid marshals, accompanied by officers from Northumbria Police, found the group sat drinking inside the bar when they visited the Wheatsheaf in Monkwearmouth following a tip-off.

The landlord of the Roker Avenue venue and five others have each been isued with £200 fines.

The landlord has said he has yet to receive the fine as he spoke out about the circumstances surrounding the breach.

Meanwhile, the pub’s premises licence owner and landlord have both been served with a Prohibition Notice by Sunderland City Council, which could result in prosecution and a fine should there be any further breaches of the law.

Council Leader Councillor Graeme Miller, said: "This was a clear breach of the current lockdown rules which are in place to keep us all safe.

"We hope that this sends out a clear message to any businesses tempted to break the rules, that we will take action against those found to be putting people at risk."

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing of Northumbria Police, added: "We will continue to support our local authority partners around their engagement and enforcement activity with businesses.

"We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of the virus in our region and we will continue to engage with the public about the restrictions however, along with our partners, we are committed to taking appropriate action where necessary to protect our communities.”

The council has also served Prohibition Notices against three Washington car washes after the were found were continuing to operate in breach of the lockdown rules.

Notices were served against the IMO car wash in Hertburn Industrial Estate, the Mr C car wash on the Swan Industrial Estate and Express Hand Car Wash at Elswick Road and all have been ordered to pay the penalties.

Each of the sites were found to be washing cars by hand in breach of the lockdown rules.

Automatic, but not manual car washes, are allowed to operate under the Government’s guidelines.

Petrol stations, vehicle repair garages and MOT services, bicycle shops, and taxi and vehicle hire businesses are also allowed to operate.

Pubs and hospitality venues have been closed in the area since the second lockdown in October under Tier 3, then Tier 4 restrictions, before full lockdown was again brought in on January 4.

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