Trinity Criminal, Regulatory and Administrative Law barrister David Comb has recently advised Derbyshire County Council, in relation to the prohibition of a proposed event that would have led to a gathering of approximately 1,000 people from across the country in the Amber Valley District Council area.
The Vegan Camp Out was due to take place on 25 and 26 September 2020. Whilst the event was officially cancelled in the face of opposition from the County Council and local residents, a Prohibition Notice was issued following concerns that unofficial attendees would still gather at the venue.
The Prohibition was issued in accordance with regulations 2 and 5 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England No 3) Regulations 2020.
On 16th September 2020 during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) in Parliament, Mr Boris Johnson praised Derbyshire County Council for their rigorous approach and encouraged other Councils to use the powers, highlighting that they were available to be deployed in this way. Mr Johnson said of Councils:
“I wish to confirm very strongly that they do have the power to stop such events in the interest of public health and they have taken the right decision."
Further details regarding the Prohibition Notice and the issue raised in PMQs can be found in the BBC news coverage here.