A joint police and council operation saw fines dished out to coronavirus regulation-flouters endangering the health of the community.

Waltham Forest Council and the Metropolitan Police to targeted venues open in defiance of Covid-19 regulations; 36 individuals were fined £800, with two people facing a possible £10,000 penalty.

An open shutter alerted officers to a group inside the Mint Club, 406a Hoe St, Walthamstow, who were smoking shisha and consuming beverages on the evening of Friday, January 29.

Although the trio claimed to be waiting for a food order no evidence of this order was found and all three were slapped with £200 fines.

The Mint Club was previously found to be open in November 2020 in breach of then-current regulations with fines being reported on this occasion also. The council will now decide what further action to take in regards to this repeated rule-breaking.

Later in the evening, loud voices gave away the location of a large group of customers drinking and smoking as they waited for grilled food at Jerk and Juice, 268 High Rd, Leytonstone.

Twenty-two people were fined £800 each, under new powers authorising the police to give out larger fines for those taking part in larger gatherings, and council enforcement officers also issued an order closing the food business owing to an array of hygiene issues.

While dealing with the situation in Jerk and Juice, a special constable received information about a gathering at Highness Nail and Beauty Bar, 536 Lea Bridge Rd, Leyton.

After the team gained entry they found multiple people attempting to hide in a stairwell, with several clambering to escape across a neighbouring extension.

Officers found alcohol and a price list on the premises and counted at least 35 people in total.

The restless crowd was dispersed safely before two men, the company director and leaseholder of the venue, were each reported for £10,000 fines.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “By this point there can be no-one claiming to be unaware of the serious situation we are in and the responsibilities we all have to try and stop the spread of Covid-19. I am disappointed to say the least to see that council officers, police colleagues, and special constables are yet again having to risk their safety because a small minority of people simply do not give a damn about others.

“I know this is not an easy time for anyone. Business want to trade, children want to socialise, and families and friends want to meet and be together. However, we all want to keep our most vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours safe so they can celebrate with us. The vaccine is currently being rolled out and we can see light at the end of what has been a long, dark tunnel – it is simply irresponsible to jeopardise people’s safety at this point.”

Superintendent Waheed Khan, Metropolitan Police, said: “There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we are in the throes of a deadly pandemic; and the fact some businesses continue to function in direct contradiction of the current restrictions quite frankly beggars belief. Police officers and special constables are working closely with councils and other groups to make sure that the rules – in place to save lives and protect the NHS - are being followed. Please do your bit to help these officers who are working hard to protect you.”

In total £49,400 of potential FPNs were reported during the evening alongside one penalty notice for possession of cannabis.