Police report 'good compliance' as pubs reopen across Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Police has reported 'good compliance' across the county as pubs reopened.

Following more than 100 days of enforced closures, pubs and restaurants, along with hair salons, were allowed to open one again yesterday (July 4), following new Government guidelines.

Significant police resources were committed across the county, but actual footfall was lower than normal, according to the force, with some venues choosing not to open or to close early to avoid any risk of public disorder late into the night.

Although, the police force did have to close down one pub due to social distancing not being following, they have thanked the public who obeyed the restrictions on what they called a 'relatively peaceful' night.

ACC Simon Blatchly, Gold Commander for Op Talla, said: “I’d like to thank the many pub, bars and restaurants which, in the overwhelming majority of cases complied with the regulations and ensured customers had an enjoyable, but safe night.

“Northamptonshire Police had a well-planned operation for what we understood might be a potentially difficult evening, but footfall overall was low and some venues chose to either stay shut or close early to minimise the risk of any disorder.

“Some excellent proactive policing ensured we minimised the potential disruption caused by illegal music and car cruising events. This was an important first step and we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely, but I’d like to thank everyone for their co-operation as well as the many officers out and about keeping the public safe last night.”

Officers responded to a small number of public disorder incidents and one pub in the east of the county had to be closed down at 9.30pm as social distancing was being ignored and a beer festival was taking place in the back garden. The venue will be visited by licensing officers next week.

In addition, police investigated a number of reports of potential illegal raves and music events, the most significant of which was at Brixworth Country Park where up to 300 people had gathered to watch a live DJ.

The visitors were peacefully moved on by 11.30pm, within an hour of officers arriving.

Following a well-planned operation, publicised by Northamptonshire Police in advance, attempts to hold a car cruising event were thwarted with the organisers calling off the meet before it got under way.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you