A Paphos business selling alcoholic drinks defied a court order which instructed it to suspend operations, police announced on Friday.

The business was initially found to be operating without a license, selling alcohol without the required permits and breaking Covid-19 restrictions.

The initial discovery took place during routine police searches at businesses to assess compliance with Covid-19 restrictions.

In a follow-up check at around midnight on Thursday the police found the business to be operation and serving three customers. The owner was absent, and the customers claimed they were unaware of the court order issued against the business.

The case is due in court on October 18.