TWO pubs in Burnley have been hit with a £1,000 fine for "disrespectful" breaches of coronavirus restrictions. 

Officers from the local police force visited both pubs, finding one open after midnight - whilst the other failed to serve food alongside its drinks. 

Both establishments have been brought to the attention of officers before, and were given the chance to abide by the rules.

They have now both been handed fines for £1,000. 

Licensing Sergeant Gary Hennighan said: "It gives me no satisfaction whatsoever to issue these fines to licensees in the current climate.

"But this isn't the first time these two pubs have come to our attention for the wrong reasons over the last few weeks.

"We have tried to help them get it right but their actions have been disrespectful to their fellow licensees who are abiding and finding it tough.

"We will be fair where we can but there is a time when enough is enough."

Under coronavirus restrictions, pubs in Tier 3 areas are not allowed to serve alcohol unless it is accompanied by a "substantial" meal. 

All hospitality venues must operate on a table service basis, and there is a national curfew ordering all businesses to close at 10pm. 

Earlier today, The Lancashire Telegraph reported two pubs in Blackburn and Darwen had also received fines for failing to serve food with alcohol. 

All offences were contrary to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020.