Serving snacks in lockdown results in man being jailed

After neighbours reported him to the police, a clay pigeon shooting club boss has been jailed for serving mince pies during lockdown.

The 72-year-old man, Maurice Snelling, was selling wine and snacks in 2020 at Cloudside Shooting Grounds, Staffordshire, when the furore occurred.

This breached Covid restrictions, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard. At the time, venues were only allowed to provide a drive through or takeaway service as the County was under Tier 3 restrictions at that point.  

Despite that, Mr Snelling argued that Cheshire was under Tier 2 restrictions and this meant the club was permitted to serve alcohol inside if drinks were accompanied by a "substantial meal."

However, the judge stated, "I find it hard to believe that Mr Snelling didn't know which lockdown tier he was in."

Consequently, he was sentenced to six months in prison after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice at a previous court hearing.

The Johnson Partnership

(formerly GV Hale)

Barnsley Crime Solicitors