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RITA Ora’s team offered a restaurant a £5,000 bung to break Covid rules for her 30th birthday bash, say cops.

They also had the CCTV cameras turned off as guests arrived on November 28 — amid the second virus lockdown.

Rita Ora's team offered a restaurant £5,000 to host her rule-breaking party
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Rita Ora's team offered a restaurant £5,000 to host her rule-breaking party
The 30th bash was held Casa Cruz in Notting Hill during the second lockdown
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The 30th bash was held Casa Cruz in Notting Hill during the second lockdownCredit: Darren Fletcher
Some party details were published in online documents
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Some party details were published in online documents

Police say CCTV hard drives were reformatted two days later, with no footage available from the previous month.

Details emerged in a licence review for Casa Cruz in London’s Notting Hill due to be heard today.

In a statement to cops on December 1, boss Scottie Bhattarai said he was contacted by a representative of Rita on his personal mobile at 5.30pm.

He said the person wanted somewhere for “drinks and nibbles” and he was offered £5,000.

Rita volunteered to pay a £10,000 fine for 'breaking the rules'
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Rita volunteered to pay a £10,000 fine for 'breaking the rules'Credit: Getty

Most staff were on furlough so Mr Bhattarai went to the venue to “facilitate”, admitting he was “greedy”.

He said the plan was to have around seven guests but by 9pm almost 20 had turned up.

They included model Cara Delevingne, her sister Poppy and Towie’s Vas Morgan.

Police were called just before midnight. Photos later emerged of Rita and pals leaving — as revealed by The Sun.

Venue boss Scottie Bhattarai switched off CCTV cameras as guests arrived
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Venue boss Scottie Bhattarai switched off CCTV cameras as guests arrived

PC James Larner said windows were blacked out but he and a colleague peered through gaps to see people at tables with empty glasses.

Doors were locked so they knocked on windows but got no response from those inside.

Mr Bhattarai’s statement says guests brought their own alcohol — Rita Ora Tequila.

The report adds: “Security for the entourage wanted no recordings of attendees — Rita etc, to be made, hence (Bhattarai) decided to turn off CCTV between 18.00 and 18.30.’’

Model Cara Delevingne was spotted at the venue
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Model Cara Delevingne was spotted at the venue
Her sister Poppy was also one of roughly 30 guests
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Her sister Poppy was also one of roughly 30 guests

Mr Bhattarai refused to pass on the details of who arranged the party.

He said that no payment had been made at the time.

We told of the breach in November
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We told of the breach in November
Rita's team had said there would be around seven guests, Mr Bhattarai claimed
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Rita's team had said there would be around seven guests, Mr Bhattarai claimedCredit: Getty

He has since been removed from his post.

Rita later apologised for “breaking the rules” and volunteered to pay a £10,000 fine.

Last night, her people had not commented.

Cara and pals were seen sneaking through the back exit
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Cara and pals were seen sneaking through the back exitCredit: Getty
Poppy and other guests apparently brought their own alcohol
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Poppy and other guests apparently brought their own alcoholCredit: Rex Features
Rita Ora posts apology after throwing 'inexcusable' 30th birthday party with 30 pals

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