A Bedlington pub has been shut after police caught households mingling and customers without their masks in breach of coronavirus guidelines.
Officers claimed there was no social distancing inside The Wharton Arms during a spot check on Saturday, October 3.
The pub, in Burdon Terrace, must now potentially close for a fortnight as punishment for the breaches.
It is the first pub in Northumberland to be closed for breaching Covid-19 regulations.
All North East venues are currently subject to tough new laws aimed at c urbing the region's rocketing infection rate.
Northumbria Police say multiple breaches at the pub also included not displaying a Track and Trace QR code, or enforcing a one-way system.
“We will continue to support our local authority partners around their engagement and enforcement activity with businesses,"said Superintendent Craig Metcalfe.
“We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in our region and we will continue to engage with the public about the restrictions.
"However, along with our partners, we are committed to taking appropriate action where necessary to protect our communities.”
The venue was served with a direction notice on Tuesday, October 6.
The 14 day closure will be reviewed in a week, and the licencee can appeal.
ChronicleLive attempted the contact the venue for comment
Police are visiting premises around the region to ensure the tough new rules which include mandatory table service and 10pm curfews are being enforced.
Under North East lockdown rules customers are only able to visit pubs and bars and sit indoors with members of their own household, or support bubble.
Councillor John Riddle, cabinet member with responsibility for public protection said the pub "posed a serious imminent risk to public health" by not enforcing the rules, thus further risking the spread of the virus.
“The safety of the county and all of its residents must always be our highest priority, and we want to work with all businesses to help them through this difficult time," he added.
"Thankfully we are finding most businesses are doing all they can to keep their staff and customers safe.
“However, we won’t hesitate to take strong enforcement action where we find traders clearly breaching the regulations and putting lives at risk.”
