A HOTEL and restaurant in Wyre Forest has been fined £10,000 for hosting an illegal gathering in breach of Covid-19 restrictions.

The establishment, which has not been named by police, received the so-called 'super fine' after it was caught holding a gathering of more than 30 people on Saturday, December 12.

A second licensed premises in Wyre Forest was also reported for breaching tier two regulations on Saturday night and received a £1,000 fine.

The pub was found to have failed to observe restrictions on customer seating and the ordering and serving of food and drink for consumption on the premises.

Police described the two businesses as having "blatant disregard for the rules".

Wyre Forest Police said in a post on Facebook: "Unfortunately, two licensed premises in Wyre Forest were reported for breaching tier two regulations this evening and placing public safety at risk due to blatant disregard for the rules put in place to protect people.

"If you have concerns over premises acting negligently and not complying you can report them to Worcester Regulatory Services or to the police for action to follow.

"We support businesses and licensed premises who are trying their best to maintain safe operations.

"We will enforce businesses and licensed premises for unsafe, non-compliant disregard for the regulations for peoples safety."

Of the 30 fixed penalty notices issued by West Mercia Police officers, 28 of those involved individuals breaching regulations in relation to gatherings.