BRADFORD Council has confirmed it has had to break up weddings being held at restaurants around the city, which have been accused of “dodging” Covid-19 restrictions.

Reports have been made to the Telegraph & Argus of a number of restaurants around the city hosting weddings.

By operating as restaurants, it’s alleged this is allowing couples getting married to dodge the limit of 30 guests at weddings, as restaurants don’t have to limit the number of guests dining, as long as they are seated at a social distance.

The owner of one restaurant which has hosted weddings during lockdown said the celebrations at his business are held while abiding to lockdown restrictions and have never had more than 25 people in attendance.

One resident reported seeing a number of restaurants holding weddings with more than 30 guests, and said this is a breach of regulations.

Bradford Council is asking restaurants to stop breaching restrictions and risking spreading Covid-19.

The man, who asked not to be named, said that the local lockdown rules in Bradford mean people should not be socialising with people from other households, but at a wedding this is bound to take place.

At a restaurant, diners normally wouldn’t socialise with other tables, but he said that’s “clearly a different story when it is being used to host a wedding”.

Bradford Council confirmed it has received reports of restaurants being used to host weddings with more than 30 people in attendance.

The Council also confirmed it has had to disperse weddings being held at restaurants where the number of guests is in excess of 30 people.

It said it will be investigating these breaches and taking action against restaurants found to be breaching lockdown guidelines.

A spokesperson for Bradford Council added: “This is a breach of current local restrictions.

“We ask that people follow the rules. They are there to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and save lives.

“Not following the restrictions could result in an increase in transmission of the virus and further local restrictions.”

Government guidelines currently state the number of guests - including the married couple - should not exceed 30 people, and failure to abide by them could lead to fines and even imprisonment.

The local lockdown rules also state people cannot meet people not from their household or social bubble at indoor public venues.

The owner of one of the restaurants accused said ceremonies at his restaurant have never breached lockdown rules.

He said: “We’ve never had more than 25 people at a wedding and everyone stayed separate at their tables.

“I have had no calls from the Council. We’re keeping everyone apart, we’re not going to break the law. We’re not stupid.

“When people arrive we check everyone’s temperature and make them use hand sanitiser. All our staff wear PPE and follow the rules.

“Since we reopened we have never had a customer return symptoms.”

Other restaurants accused of breaching the rules on wedding guest numbers could not be reached for comment.