An illegal wedding with more than 40 guests was broken up by the police in an award-winning Indian restaurant.
Police were called to Hot Chilli in Dunscar Business Park after reports of a large gathering last Sunday afternoon.
The event near Blackburn Road was quickly resolved and 37 fixed fines were issued to guests.
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Eyewitness Peter Dean, 47, from Egerton, said: “On Sunday afternoon, three large police cars were parked in front of Hot Chilli. I have a unit in this business park and the parking lot was very full.
“There were people in wedding dresses and bridesmaids with flowers standing on the streets in front of the restaurant.”
The establishment was named National Champion of Champions at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. in 2019.
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A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Police Department said: “At around 2:35 pm on Sunday, February 21st, police were called for a report of a large gathering at a site on Blackburn Road in Bolton.
“Officials came and dispersed a group of about 40 to 50 people attending an organized wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony was dissolved and 37 fines were issued. Investigations are ongoing to locate the organizer and further enforcement is likely to follow. ”
A Hot Chilli spokesman confirmed that there was a private party there on Sunday – but said it could only be for six people from the same household.
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He added: “The organizers informed us on the day of the event that it was indeed a wedding but claimed to be having exceptional circumstances which they did not discuss in detail.
“We had already paid for additional supplies and asked additional workers to be present. With these business expenses in mind, we have regrettably agreed to serve your little congregation. ”
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The venue’s chiefs say they alerted the police as the gathering grew in size.
The spokesman added, “We are working fully with law enforcement and Bolton Council to assist with any inquiries. We have no intention of under any circumstances gathering people on our premises during the lockdown in the future.
“The restaurant is restricted to take-away and delivery as per national ban policy and will remain so until we receive further updates.”
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