A SOUTHAMPTON pub faces a £1k fine after a group of "40 people" were caught breaching covid restrictions by having a Christmas Eve "party".

Police stumbled upon a group of around "40 people drinking alcohol" in a staff-only area at the Bitterne Park Hotel.

Officers had received a report at 7pm on December 24 of four people "who appeared to be going to a party" at hotel in Cobden Avenue.

According to police, the people moving freely around the staff room without masks - a breach of the covid restrictions in place at the time.

Police have called the gathering a blatant breach of the Health Protection Regulations.

The officers broke up the gathering and reported the licensee for summons concerning a £1,000 fixed penalty notice.

Police are now working with the city council to review the premises licence.

PC Mark Hawley from the force’s licensing team said: “This was a blatant breach of the Health Protection Regulations that are in force to keep people safe during the pandemic.

“The guidelines in place around hospitality are clear, it is very disappointing therefore that a private party was held that put everyone attending at risk. We are working with partners, including the city council, to ensure where businesses or individuals breach the regulations, that this is addressed quickly to provide reassurance to the community.

“We hope this sends a message to other businesses that breaching the regulations will be dealt with robustly to ensure everyone’s safety”.