A 250-strong wedding party in Old Kent Road was shut down by police last weekend after a ‘flagrant breach’ of COVID-19 rules.
Officers were called to the venue at 8.20pm Sunday, 18 October, after concerned residents reported a suspected burglary.
Police found the venue’s shutters had been closed in an attempt, they believe, to hide what was going on inside.
More than 200 people were celebrating at the event, in defiance of current rules, and there was no social distancing or other safety measures in place.
Currently, only up to fifteen people can attend a wedding if the venue is able to safely accommodate them, and social distancing must be followed.
At the scene, police dispersed the crowds and reported two people for consideration of a fixed penalty notice – a dedicated crime team will now assess the breach in line with the legislation.
Detective Superintendent Nicky Arrowsmith, said: “This event was a blatant breach of the regulations and could have been a breeding ground for transmitting the virus.
There were over 200 people inside, no social distancing and indeed no attempts to make the venue COVID secure, in line with the government guidelines.
“The guidelines are there for a reason, to keep people safe.
“Being reported for a fine is clearly not a wedding present people would be expecting, however as this was such a flagrant breach of the regulations, it was entirely necessary.
“Officers across the Met will continue our efforts to keep London safe by shutting down those events which deliberately and dangerously put people’s health at risk.
“If you are planning a wedding this weekend please make sure it falls within the current regulations.”