BUSINESSES have been warned they must not hold wedding receptions on their premises.

The warning comes after confusion among some restaurants and venues who felt they may be permitted to host wedding events for up to 15 people.

Officials from Blackburn with Darwen Council have now been visiting businesses.

A notice handed to one venue read: “It is unlawful for people from more than one household to take part in any gatherings in a private dwelling or in any indoor space. There are certain exceptions for this in relation to wedding ceremonies where up to 15 people may attend – for the solemnisation of a marriage, formation of a civil partnership or conversion of a civil partnership to a marriage.

“This exemption does not extend to wedding receptions. This means wedding receptions must not take place.”

It adds that any businesses caught holding receptions can be closed down.

Government advice states wedding receptions cannot take place in areas that are subject to 'very high’ Covid alert restrictions - such as the whole of Lancashire.

One restaurant owner, who did not wish to be named, said: “It is already very difficult for many businesses to function and we have gone out of our way to keep our premises Covid-19 safe.

“We are effectively unable to open and function as a business but still must pay our bills and staff.”