Brighton: Police shut down rave and disperse 200 partygoers
Written by News on 26/10/2020
Police have shut down a rave in Brighton involving 200 people – and warned the organisers could face a £10,000 fine for breaking the law.
Officers went to Stanmer Park at 2.30am on Sunday after reports of an “unusual number of people” seen in the area.
Sussex Police said around 200 people were told to leave the public park and that sound equipment was seized from the event.
They added they were working to identify the organisers who may be fined for breaking COVID-19 restrictions.
Brighton and Hove Police tweeted that “organisers could find themselves £10k light!”
Sergeant Karen Osborn said: “Raves are spontaneous by their very nature and once established, especially during the hours of darkness, they are very difficult to close down safely.
“However, they are unlicensed and there are no controls over health and safety or facilities to ensure the welfare of those attending.
“On top of that, with the country in the grip of a worldwide pandemic, such gatherings take no account of social distancing measures, are illegal and completely irresponsible.”
She added: “While rave organisers and those who attend see no harm in their unlicensed and illegal activities, these events can cause an immense amount of disruption to communities, especially rural ones.
“On this occasion, thanks to the vigilance of the local community, we were able to shut down and clear the site within an hour, seizing a generator and a significant amount of sound equipment.”
(c) Sky News 2020: Brighton: Police shut down rave and disperse 200 partygoers
