Police raid illegal gathering at ‘Covid Arms’ pub in Black Country garage

Tables and chairs had been set up next to the workshop while a TV had been mounted on a nearby Land Rover
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Body-cam footage shared by West Midlands Police shows the moment officers cracking down on Covid rule-breakers bring an illegal gathering at a garage turned makeshift bar to an abrupt end.

When officers barged into the ‘Covid Arms’ just after 7.30pm on Saturday night they found 12 people and a barman drinking and listening to music in the building on an industrial unit off the A461.

A set of tables, chairs and a TV had been set up next inside the workshop - as well as sign with the name of the venue on.

“Whether you believe it or not Covid-19 exists, doesn’t it,” the officer can be heard saying before telling the group they should “know better.”

He then told each person to leave but asked the owner to stay behind - he was hit with a £1,000 fine.

Later that night, officers also raided a nightclub packed with around 150 people near Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

After spotting taxis dropping people off on Buckingham Street, officers forced their way in and found people packed into two floors of the building.

The bar had been fitted out with a dance room and the building also contained a recording studio and gym.

Officers were hit with bottles as they tried to speak with party-goers in the early hours while drone footage showed some of the revellers fleeing the premises using the roof.

Around 50 people are thought to have escaped punishment but 70 were given £200 fines and the DJ could now face a £10,000 fine.

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