Over 40 fines were issued for parties across Bristol last weekend

Avon and Somerset Police reported having to break up multiple house parties last weekend, both outside and within typically student residential areas in Bristol.

They issued 47 fixed penalty notices, 13 of which were for £800.

One of the parties was on Tyndalls Park Road where over 50 people were reported to be attending. Some party-goers fled the address when police arrived, but 13 people were still issued fines. Music equipment was also seized from the address.

Another party was dispersed in Redland on Ashgrove Road, where officers found around 30 people within one house. A large gathering was also found and shut down on Brighton Road in Redland, where attendees reportedly jumped fences to flee the Police.

However, the parties were not just strictly within student areas. Fines were distributed to many people, from Stoke Gifford to Weston-super-Mare.

Police body-cam footage of the moment a party was shutdown at 2:36am

The Bristol Tab has recently revealed that most students are being sensible and conscientious about the new lockdown amid fears of demonisation from the public. Tom Covill, Chair of the Care Leavers and Estranged Students network told us: “Whilst there is a minority students who are perhaps less mindful of the current COVID guidance, it must be emphasised that most Bristol students are just trying to overcome the same challenges as everyone else; surviving COVID and progressing with their degree.”

Commenting on this past weekend’s events, Inspector Ruth Gawler said: “Millions of people across the country are diligently following the rules and making huge sacrifices to limit the spread of coronavirus.

“Yet there is clearly a selfish minority who seem to think the rules don’t apply to them and they can go about their lives as normal.

“Their actions are not only putting themselves at risk, but risking the lives of their families, friends, and their whole community.

“The fact people tried to flee from officers is evidence they know exactly what they are doing is wrong.

“We will not stand by and let these irresponsible few break the rules in this egregious manner and we will give them severe penalties.”

Last Friday the minimum penalty which can be given to anyone attending a party or gathering of more than 15 people quadrupled, with fines of up to £6,400 for repeat offenders.

Those attending gatherings of 15 people or fewer are still subject to a fixed penalty notice of £200 which doubles with each repeated offence.

Featured Image: Body-cam footage from Avon and Somerset Police

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