Indian restaurant where Rishi Sunak waited tables is fined £1,000 for wedding party with more than 30 guests that flouted Covid rules
- Officers slammed ‘clear disregard’ for rules at Kuti’s Brasserie in Southhampton
- Police issued £1,000 penalty notice after venue broke 15-person reception limit
- Owner Kuti Miah is a friend of the Sunaks and the Chancellor used to work there
- He held his wedding reception at the venue in 2009 and eats there at Christmas
The restaurant where Chancellor Rishi Sunak worked as a waiter has been fined for flouting coronavirus restrictions by hosting a wedding party of more than 30 people.
Police issued the £1,000 fixed penalty notice after Indian restaurant Kuti’s Brasserie hosted the party which breached coronavirus restrictions banning receptions of more than 15 people.
Officers slammed the ‘clear disregard for requirements there to protect the whole community’ and also fined the 39-year-old groom £200 for breaching the rule of six.
Kuti Miah, who owns Kuti’s Brasserie on the waterfront in Southampton, Hampshire, is a family friend of the Sunaks, and the Chancellor even held his wedding reception there in 2009.
Southampton’s Kuti’s Brasserie, the restaurant where Chancellor Rishi Sunak held his wedding reception, has been fined for flouting coronavirus restrictions by hosting a party of more than 30 people. Pictured: The restaurant’s owner Kuti Miah outside his establishment
Rishi Sunak, pictured with his wife Akshata Murthy, held his wedding reception at the venue in 2009 and also worked there as a waiter when he was a teenager
Mr Miah has told how the Sunak family have regularly celebrated Christmas at his restaurant.
Mr Sunak, 40, is married to Indian heiress Akshata Murthy, whom he has two children with.
Mr Miah, 60, added that Rishi was ‘a people person’ who loved ‘talking to customers’, and was an ‘expert’ at calculating customers’ bills.
Kuti’s also offered free hot meals for all school children during half term, after the Chancellor voted against the scheme.
PC Brian Swallow, of Hampshire Constabulary’s Force Licensing Team, today said: ‘It is very disappointing that a licensed premises has been in breach of the clear guidelines around hospitality that are designed to keep customers safe and limit the spread not only among patrons but the community as a whole.
‘We understand that many people have missed out on socialising and celebrating this year, but this demonstrated a clear disregard for the requirements that are there to protect the whole community during this very difficult time.
Mr Miah has told how the Sunak family have regularly celebrated Christmas at his restaurant
‘We hope this sends a message to other licensed premises who are considering allowing large groups in their premises while the health regulations are in place – you will be fined.’
Councillor David Shields, Southampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, added: ‘We support the action taken by police and are determined to take appropriate action.
‘As cases of COVID-19 are increasing quickly in the city we need a concerted effort from the whole city, including local businesses, to protect each other and the NHS.’
Under the Government’s tiered level of restrictions – which will cease when a new nationwide lockdown is imposed on Thursday – wedding receptions can take place.
Areas deemed ‘Medium’ (Tier 1) and ‘High’ (Tier 2) risk could hold receptions for up to 15 people, not including venue staff. Southampton is in Tier 1.
However, from tomorrow, all non-essential businesses will have to close and services will not be allowed in places of worship.
The measures will remain in force until December 2.