A pub has been fined £1,000 for serving alcohol without a substantial meal.

The Skew Bridge, at Southdown Road, was caught breaching Covid-19 regulations while Hertfordshire was classed as a Tier 2 area as it served punters drinks without a meal.

Two business compliance officers from St Albans City and District Council visited the pub following complaints of alcohol being served, despite Tier 2 restrictions requiring a ‘substantial’ meal with alcohol at pubs, bars and restaurants.

When questioned, the manager admitted the offence and was served with the £1,000 fine on December 14– the first of its kind to be issued in the district.

Councillor Mandy McNeil, portfolio holder for Business, Tourism and Culture, said: “A breach of Covid-19 regulations is, thankfully, a rare event for the district.

“Our pubs, restaurants, cafes, and other businesses have generally behaved in an exemplary fashion, following all the Covid rules to keep their customers and the general public safe.

“I understand the enormous pressures these businesses are under due to the impact of Covid, but the issuing of this Fixed Penalty Notice shows that we will take enforcement action where necessary.”

She added: “Our businesses compliance officers have been working very effectively to ensure companies are aware of their responsibilities and live up to them, and I hope this incident will be a one off.”