DEVON and Cornwall Police’s Assistant Chief Constable says he hopes his officers won’t have to enforce the new rules around social gatherings as he urges the public to take responsibility.
It’s now illegal for groups of more than six people to gather socially, whether indoors or outside, with exceptions for childcare, education or training, charitable purposes, weddings, funerals or other religious or belief ceremonies.
Devon and Cornwall Police says it will maintain the approach of 4Es to the new legislation using engagement, education and encouragement to ask members of the public to comply with the regulations, with enforcement a final option.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: “Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a shared effort and police will play a part alongside the Government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.
“The change to COVID-19 legislation, and subsequent change in the law, means everyone has a legal responsibility to play their part and not gather in a group of more than six people.
“The new rules are clear. We all have a personal responsibility for following them to help stop of the spread of a deadly virus.”
Police will have the ability to issue an on the spot £100 fixed penalty notice, which can rise to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offending.
Assistant Chief Constable Mayhew added: “Demands on Devon & Cornwall Police, and the police service in general, are back to pre-COVID levels, making it even more important that people respect the change in the law and take personal responsibility.
“I hope that we do not need to enforce the legislation as people understand the importance of the measures to keep us all safe. In the circumstances where police do engage with a group, I hope they all disperse and we do not need to issue a fine, but the powers are there should officers need them.
“The pandemic has not gone away and everyone must play their part to protect themselves, their families and our communities.”