Police to issue £800 fines to anyone attending house parties of more than 15 people

From next week anyone attending an illegal gathering of more than 15 people risks being hit with a £800 fine.

Priti Patel has given police the power to dish out new £800 fines to anyone who either organises or attends a large house party or other gathering.

The home secretary announced the new measures yesterday at a Downing Street press conference, with the fines going up to a maximum of £6,400 for repeat offences.

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She said: “Next week we will be introducing a new £800 fine for those attending house parties, which will double for each repeat offence up to a maximum level of £6,400.

“These fines will apply to those who attend illegal gatherings of more than 15 people in homes.

“The science is clear. Such irresponsible behaviour poses a significant risk to public health, not only to those in attendance but also to our wonderful police officers who attend these events to shut them down.”

Martin Hewitt, the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, also spoke at the press conference, where he said the new announcement was welcome news.

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He said: “We have repeatedly made it clear that house parties and other large gatherings should not be happening.

“They are dangerous, irresponsible and totally unacceptable.

“I hope the likelihood of an increased fine acts as an incentive for those people who are thinking of attending or organising such events.”

According to Mr Hewitt, 250 fines of £10,000 have been dished out across England to people who have organised large gatherings since August.

He added: “I make no apology for those fines… Now anyone who attends one of these gatherings can expect to receive a £800 fine”.