Police plea to be sensible as Northamptonshire gets ready to hit pubs for the first time since March

"Small minority will try and ruin it for others by drinking to excess...we have plans in place in order to quickly respond to any incidents"
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Police have issued a stern warning as Northamptonshire gets ready to hit the pubs and restaurants for the first time in nearly four months.

Chief Superintendent Ash Tuckley is the officer in charge of policing the reopening of the night-time economy across the county from Saturday (July 4).

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And he said: “We know people will be looking forward to going out after such a long time but please be sensible.

“The vast majority of drinkers are responsible but we know that there will be a small minority who will try and ruin it for others by drinking to excess and trying to create disorder.

“Let me be clear that we will not tolerate any anti-social or criminal behaviour and we have plans in place in order to quickly respond to any incidents of concern."

Lockdown regulations are set to be relaxed in Northamptonshire and the rest of England this weekend with pubs and restaurants — but not live venues or nightclubs — set to open for the first time since March 20 in what Prime Minister Boris Johnson is calling 'Independence Day'.

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The police top brass have been working with local businesses and various local authorities across the county to ensure venues stick to government guidelines.

Pubs are ready to reopen in Northamptonshire from this weekend. Photo: Getty ImagesPubs are ready to reopen in Northamptonshire from this weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Pubs are ready to reopen in Northamptonshire from this weekend. Photo: Getty Images

Many pubs have already revealed their plans for reopening, from advance booking to one-way systems for the loos, although not all will reopen at the first opportunity they can on Saturday. The McManus Pub Company is set to stagger unlocking the doors at its 15 pubs and sports bars up to July 20.

Chief Supt Tuckley, said: “We have been working with local businesses and our partners for some time now to ensure that the reopening of the night-time economy passes off safely.

"The key advice I want to communicate to people is to know your limits, plan your day and consider how you will get home safely.

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“I am also urging people to be mindful of the fact that Covid-19 is still a serious risk to people’s health and that we all need to adhere to the measures local businesses will have put in place to mitigate the spread of the disease.

St Giles Ale House boss Terry Steers has put safety measures in place. Photo: Leila Coker.St Giles Ale House boss Terry Steers has put safety measures in place. Photo: Leila Coker.
St Giles Ale House boss Terry Steers has put safety measures in place. Photo: Leila Coker.

“Finally, I know the majority of people will be looking forward to an enjoyable and safe night out and I want to reassure them that your local police officers will be on hand throughout the weekend if you have any issues or need to make us aware of any incidents of concern.”

Businesses must adhere to a strict set of safety guidelines when they reopen from Saturday.

Indoor seating must spaced out so that customers are kept well apart with table-service provided where possible. And those outdoors in beer gardens have appropriately spaced seating or standing room.

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The number of customers entering leach pub or restaurant must also be controlled and where bar or counter service is unavoidable, steps should be taken to prevent customers from remaining at the bar or counter after ordering.

Businesses also need to keep a temporary record of visitors for 21 days to help NHS Test and Trace requests for data if required.