The UK continues its aggressive crackdown on all activities, to curb the spread of COVID19. From now on any event with more than 15 people on private property will be considered a house party and any attendees face a £800 fine.
You had to live—did live, from habit that became instinct—in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every moment scrutinized.
1984
The spread of COVID-19 in the UK has not slowed despite the arrival of the vaccine, and despite the increasingly draconian edicts being handed down. Glastonbury already announced that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place. Moreover, the government is heavily pursuing illegal raves and house parties. Their latest measure is the introduction of an £800 fine for anyone attending a house party of more than 15 people. The fine will come into place in England from next week
In addition to the £800 fine, repeat offenders will receive larger fines up to a maximum of £6,400. £6,400 for attending a house party!
“It doesn’t just put you at risk in your house, it puts your whole street and the whole of your community at risk.”
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS England regional medical director for London
Martin Hewitt revealed that 250 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued to people organizing large gatherings from the end of August up until January 17. These FPNs can be from anywhere up to £10,000 for anything deemed as an illegal gathering and first came into place as a crackdown on illegal raves taking place in the UK. Although the majority of the population is acting responsibly, there is always a black sheep.
“I hope that the likelihood of an increased fine acts as a disincentive for those people who are thinking of attending or organising such events.”
Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council
Illegal raves continue across Europe, as more and more sectors of society are shuttered by the powers that be. Earlier this year, police had to shut down a 2,500 person rave in France.
