A RUGBY club has been issued a fine for breaking social distancing measures.

Barrow Raiders Rugby Club has been handed a fine after hosting an event on September 26 in which government measures were breached.

Cumbria Police said the club allowed people of different groups to mingle and permitted people to be up and dancing without maintaining appropriate distances.

The club is one of three Cumbrian venues slapped with a fine in the past few days including: The Central in Egremont and The Bush Inn in Cockermouth who were both checked after 10pm and found to have people drinking within the premises.

Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Slattery said: “I am very grateful for the way the majority of licensees have complied with the regulations in place to protect us all.

“But it is clear a small number of breaches have taken place – and we would urge everyone, both individuals and business owners and staff, to do their bit to stop the spread of the virus by sticking to the regulations.

“These fines show Cumbria Constabulary will take action against breaches of coronavirus restrictions and our officers will be out in our communities monitoring for any further breaches.

“We ask everyone to continue to act responsibly and take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their families and communities – and if you are a business owner, your customers.”

A number of other fines were issued during the weekend.

Included among these were 13 tickets issued to a group who had travelled from outside the county for a stag do in west Cumbria.