A comedy club in Liverpool, closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, was raided by police over the weekend after a recorded show it streamed on Facebook was mistaken for a live event.
The Hot Water Comedy Club has told Sky News that “around 20 officers” turned up to the venue on Saturday night after someone thought the show – from 7 March and featuring a packed audience – was happening that evening.
A member of the public thought the show was live: Pic: Hot Water Comedy Club
Large gatherings have been banned due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the government has warned people to stay at home in an effort to reduce the spread of the deadly virus.
The club has therefore been showing archive gigs on its Facebook page.
Paul Smith performed on the 7 March show. Pic: Hot Water Comedy Club
Paul Blair, one of the owners, said the event – hosted by comedian Paul Smith – was “clearly” advertised on social media as having already taken place, and revealed that his brother and co-owner had alerted him to what happened.
He said: “I was really surprised. The first we heard about it was when we got a call from the convenience store next door, saying a full police squad had turned up at the club.
“I looked at our CCTV and saw about 20 police officers outside”, he continued.
He added: “Some of them looked really confused, and one of them took out his phone and watched the live stream.”
But he praised the police, saying: “Fair play for them doing that though, they were just doing their job and trying to keep people safe”.
“I think it was a waste of their time, but I don’t think whoever called them did it deliberately, I think it was just a misunderstanding.”
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Merseyside Police have admitted it was a “false alarm made in good faith by a member of the public”.
A spokesperson said: “Our officers responded to a report that a comedy club was open and live streaming a show with a large number of customers inside.
John Bishop has previously performed at the club. Pic: Hot Water Comedy Club
Russell Kane is among the big names who have previously performed at the club. Pic: Hot Water Comedy Club
“To verify this, they attended the club and found it closed. Checks were made around the building to make sure no-one was inside.
“Police officers are key workers with a critical role in protecting the public during the coronavirus situation, and whilst they do practice social distancing wherever possible, their role in responding to calls for service from the public, means it is not always possible.”