Rule of six enforcement 'final option' for Dorset Police

Dorset Police say enforcement of the rule remains a last resort, instead they will be using engagement, education and encouragement to ask the public to comply.

Dorset residents are being urged to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus. New regulations make it illegal for groups of more than six people to gather socially.

Anyone breaking the rule could face a fine of £100 if they refuse to comply, doubling to a maximum of £3,200 for repeated non-compliance.

Police are calling on us to look out for each other by following the new rules.

Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said:

“Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a shared effort and Dorset Police will play a part alongside the Government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.

“The change to COVID-19 legislation, and subsequent change in the law, means everyone has a legal responsibility to play their part and not gather in a group of more than six people.

“Those doing so will be proactively challenged and engaged with by police, but my hope is the vast majority of communities and visitors to Dorset will comply and we will not see large numbers of fixed penalty notices being issued.

“The new rules are clear and very easy to understand. We all have a personal responsibility for following them to help stop the spread of a deadly virus.”

What about going to work?

The new regulations do not refer to schools or other childcare, education or training, the workplace, for voluntary charitable purposes or providing support to a vulnerable person.

The regulations do apply to the majority of public spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.

Gatherings of more than six, but no more than thirty, may be permitted at weddings or civil partnerships, funerals and other religious or belief-based life cycle ceremonies.

But demand on Police has been rising in recent weeks.

Assistant Chief Constable de Reya added:

“Demands on Dorset Police are back to pre-COVID levels and indeed have been extraordinary at times this summer.

“It makes it even more important that people respect the change in the law and take personal responsibility.

“My hope is that in the majority of circumstances where police do challenge a group, people will disperse and no fine will be issued, but the powers are there should officers need them.

“The pandemic has not gone away and everyone must play their part to protect themselves, their families and our communities."