THE Blackburn venue which held a wedding reception for over 100 people on Sunday afternoon has been named.

Police were called to Waheeds Buffet and Banquet hall on Randall street at around 5.30pm following reports of a breach of coronavirus restrictions.

When they arrived, they encountered a wedding reception with around 100-120 guests in attendance.

Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods has since confirmed to BBC Radio Lancashire that further action against the business will be considered today.

He said: “As we have said all along, we will enforce, and we did. The vast bulk of those people were asked to leave they were very complaint and they did.

“In effect that wedding reception was closed down and what remained was a small number of people. Today further action is going to be considered with the local authority in relation to that premises about what we can do to stop that happening again.

“We know it is hard (for businesses) but what will do is name and shame ones that flout the regulations to this extent and there will be consequences.

He added: “Enforcement comes in a number of ways. The fact we have stopped a wedding reception in full flow is a pretty big penalty on those people. But for the business itself we will sit with the local authority health officials and look how we can take action.”

Abdul Toheed Manager of the restaurant said: “I would apologise if there was any misunderstanding. Many food establishments and bars are having the same issues.

“I cannot stop people turning up at the restaurant wanting to eat. Last night we had a group who were here and we had a full track and trace system as in place as they entered which we shared the police. There was no stage set-up and no decorations.

“It is actually busier here from a Monday to a Wednesday when we have the ‘Eat Out to help Out’ Scheme running. I don’t see the police or anyone making a fuss then?

“We were staffing it the same way with hand sanitisers at the entrance and other measures as we would have during the week.”

Police have been cracking down on premises which have been flouting guidelines. This weekend a Hyndburn pub was the first in Lancashire to be closed by police over repeated coronavirus breaches.

The Duke of Wellington Pub on Blackburn Road, Great Harwood, was ordered to close their doors for repeatedly breaching the covid-19 guidelines.