The organiser of an illegal rave in the Docklands has become one of the first in London to face a fine of £10,000 for breaching Covid rules.
More than 150 revellers packed into a derelict pub in Wythes Road, Silvertown, where a sound system had been set up by a 30-year-old man.
Police body-worn footage shows the moment shocked officers walk into the hall following complaints from neighbours shortly after 9.30am on Sunday.
One officer is recorded telling partygoers: “You need to leave, all right. You need to go.”
Later, he tells the apologetic organiser: “When we were outside in our cars, we could hear it word for word. People are trying to sleep for God’s sake.”
Scotland Yard said the venue was “hazardous, unsanitary and in a serious state of disrepair”, with water dripping from the ceiling.
Officers dispersed the crowd, some of whom were still dancing, and identified the event organiser.
The man was reported for consideration of a fixed penalty notice under regulations brought in in August.
Sergeant Simon Biggs said: “When I arrived on scene, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and was shocked by the event organiser's blatant disregard for the safety of those there.
"This health crisis has claimed thousands of lives and people attending events such as this risk furthering the spread of this deadly virus.
"The conditions at this abandoned pub were awful, there was no running water, poor sanitary conditions, no social distancing measures and most of those attending were not wearing a face covering.
“In addition to the obvious threat of the virus, the building was also evidently in a serious state of disrepair. Water was dripping from the ceiling and there were a number of other hazards. After leaving, officers made sure to secure the building to prevent further access.”
