Drinkers adjust to first night of 10pm restrictions as police adopt engaging policy

All pubs, bars and restaurants had to shut by 10pm on Thursday evening to comply with new rules that were brought into force earlier this week.

Police said it would be stepping up its enforcement of Covid regulations in response to the changes and rising rates of infection.

The force have also stressed they will work with local authorities and other partners with the focus being on public spaces with high footfall – where people are most likely to come into contact with each other and therefore the risk of transmission is increased.

Along with the 10pm closing times, all hospitality venues must now offer table service only to try to help contain the spread of Covid-19.

John Apter, national chair of the Police Federation, said after the new restrictions were brought in on Tuesday: ‘This is an ever-changing situation and police officers will continue to do an incredible job at adapting quickly.

‘The vast majority of the public complied with the restrictions placed on them. These restrictions affect us all, but this is about keeping each other as safe as possible.

‘I would hope the public will carry on doing the right thing to help protect fellow citizens to minimise the spread of the virus.’

An increase in penalties for not wearing a mask or breaking the ‘rule of six’ can now also land people with a £200 fine.

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