Nine Met officers fined for café breakfast Covid-19 breach

Nine Metropolitan Police officers have been fined for breaching Covid-19 legislation while on duty in Greenwich.

Photos emerged online earlier this month which appeared to show a group of uniformed officers from the South East Basic Command Unit (BCU) dining in a local café.

The photos were taken at the Chef House Kitchen Café in Greenwich on January 9.

Following an investigation, it was determined that the officers involved should be issued with fixed penalty notices to the value of £200 each.

Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin, South East BCU Commander, said: “Police officers are tasked with enforcing the legislation that has been introduced to stop the spread of the virus and the public rightly expect that they will set an example through their own actions.

“It is disappointing that on this occasion, these officers have fallen short of that expectation. It is right that they will pay a financial penalty and that they will be asked to reflect on their choices.”

Under current lockdown rules, all hospitality venues are banned from table service and can only offer takeaway and delivery.

The Met have previously urged Londoners to ‘stick to the rules and stay at home’ after London was declared a ‘major incident’ due to the rapid spread of Covid-19 across the capital.

Speaking on the lockdown earlier this month, deputy assistant commissioner of the Met Matt Twist said: “Now more than ever is the moment for people to stick to the rules, and stay at home.

“I know Londoners will be shocked that officers are still dealing with a small selfish minority who think the rules don’t apply to them by holding house parties, large warehouse raves or other gatherings.

“These rule breakers cannot continue to feign ignorance of the risk that this virus poses or listen to the false information and lies that some promote downplaying the dangers.

“Every time the virus spreads it increases the risk of someone needlessly losing their life.”