A group of gamblers were left out of pocket when police raided a poker game and handed out fines to 26 people.
Video footage showed officers raiding a property in Blackburn on Saturday night after they were tipped off about the tournament.
Officers found a party in full swing in a room above a bar with two tables full of players who had travelled from as far as Nottingham and St Helens to take part.
A total of 26 £800 fixed penalty notices were issued to the Covid rule breakers and the organiser and person responsible for the building have been reported for a court summons in respect of the gathering.
Sgt Steve Dundon, of the Blackburn neighbourhood policing team, said: “This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and not only potentially puts lives in danger, it also risks extending the lockdown yet further.
“While we will show patience and understanding where possible, at this point of the pandemic people really should know better. Where people are still confused we will still look to engage, educate and encourage then to follow the rules, but where there is a blatant disregard for the Regulations – such as in this case – we will quickly move towards enforcement.
“As we start to see an end in sight, I would continue to ask people to act responsibly and do the right thing in order to keep the people of Lancashire safe.”
