A PUB landlord has been issued with a £1,000 fine for breaching Covid-19 regulations after officers found customers in his pub after the 10pm curfew.

But Peter Nicholson, licensee of the New Inn in Kendal, has refuted claims he broke Covid-19 legislation and says he will contest the fine.

A Cumbria Police spokesman said officers were contacted at around 10.30pm by a member of the public concerned about a possible breach of the Covid-19 regulations at the New Inn pub at Kendal on Saturday night.

“Officers attended at 10.45pm and found ten or more patrons still at the pub drinking,” said the spokesman.

“The licensee was issued a £1,000 fixed penalty notice for the breach.”

However, Mr Nicholson has denied he breached regulations, saying that as there was a live music performance his customers were entitled to stay beyond the curfew, until the performance had finished.

“I irrefutably deny it,” he said.

“I believe I was acting under the law.”

He added: “I was acting under the Music Venues Trust guidance.

“Who point out the legislation for dedicated grass roots live music venues, under that I’m entitled to have my customers remain on the premises beyond 10pm until the performance finishes.”

The organisation highlights on its website a statement from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which says: “From Thursday 23 September businesses selling food or drink (including cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants), social clubs, casinos, bowling alleys, amusement arcades (and other indoor leisure centres or facilities), funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities, and bingo halls will be mandated to close from 10pm.

“Guidance will make it clear that cinemas, theatres and concert halls can continue beyond 10pm but only if the performance started before 10pm and alcohol cannot be served after 10pm.”

Mr Nicholson said he has filed a complaint about Cumbria Constabulary with the Professional Standards Department, after a post on South Lakes Police’s Facebook page reported publicly that the fine had been issued.

“It’s on the South Lakes Police Facebook,” he said.

“I’m going to fight this all the way.

“They shouldn’t be putting it online, I am absolutely furious.”

The 63-year-old has expressed his fears of how the incident will damage his reputation and business.

“It will destroy my credibility,” said Mr Nicholson. “And it will drive my customers away.”

Asked for further comment a Cumbria Police spokesman said: “As per our statement yesterday, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) has been issued to the licensee after officers attended the premises at around 10.45pm. Anyone in receipt of a FPN has the right to contest the notice at court.”