Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Restaurant where Rishi Sunak once worked as waiter fined £1,000 for coronavirus breach

Fine issued after wedding reception attended by more than 30 people

Ben Mitchell
Wednesday 04 November 2020 16:57 EST
Comments
Rishi Sunak says government should not 'dicate' how hungry children are fed

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A restaurant where chancellor Rishi Sunak used to work as a waiter has been fined £1,000 for breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Kuti's in Town Quay, Southampton, was issued with a fixed penalty notice after it hosted a wedding reception attended by more than 30 people on 24 October.

The groom, a 39-year-old man, was also served a £200 fine for breaching the rule of six.

Mr Sunak, who grew up in the Hampshire city, worked at the restaurant's previous premises in the 1990s.

His parents, who have worked as a GP and a pharmacist in the city, regularly attend the restaurant for Christmas Eve, the owner Kuti Miah has previously told local newspaper the Southern Daily Echo.

“It is very disappointing that a licensed premises has been in breach of the clear guidelines around hospitality and group size that are designed to keep customers safe and limit the spread not only among patrons but the community as a whole,” Pc Brian Swallow, of Hampshire police, said in a statement.

The police force also fined the Jolly Roger pub in Gosport which became known for its scheme trading drinks for toilet rolls during the panic-buying of the first lockdown.

The £1,000 fixed penalty notice was issued after groups of people larger than six were found to be dancing and not socially distancing or wearing face-masks while not seated in the pub on 24 October.

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in