Nearly 20 fines were handed out during the first weekend of pubs being open again in Kent, but none were to drinkers breaking restrictions in beer gardens.

Extra police patrolled town centres to look out for breaches of Covid regulations or anti-social behaviour.

Between Friday, April 16 and Sunday, April 18, Kent Police gave out 19 fines for people breaching the regulations.

None, however, were issued to people at pubs or beer gardens, a force spokesperson confirmed. No businesses were fined either.

Supt Simon Alland said: "Kent Police issued 19 fines between 16 and 18 April 2021 to people breaching Covid-19 regulations.

"These fines were given during incidents in which members of the public were blatantly breaching the rules by attending house parties or mixing with other households.

"The easing of restrictions is an encouraging step towards a return to normality for all of us, but we must not become complacent and risk undermining what has been achieved so far.

"This, coupled with the warmer weather, will undoubtedly result in people wanting to meet up at popular locations and provides more options to go out and visit shops, pubs and other attractions. It is therefore vital that everyone continues to follow the Government’s rules and social distancing measures for their safety and the safety of others.

"We will continue to work closely with our partner agencies across the county and officers will remain visible, engaging with members of the public, reminding them of the rules and encouraging everyone to follow them with fines being issued as a last resort."

Ade Rowswell, operations manager at The Brenchley pub in Maidstone town centre, said his business, had an "absolutely smashing weekend."

He said that a few customers had to be reminded to wear their masks when going to the bathroom, but had forgotten that rule and always did when asked.

"Everyone has been very well behaved," he said.

The pub is using about a third of the venue capacity and using a one table in, one table out, policy.

No further easing of restrictions is due until Monday, May 17. It therefore remains illegal to hold indoor gatherings of any type outside of your own household or support bubble, or gatherings of more than six people or from two households in an outdoor location.

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