By Hancock insists majority of Super Saturday drinkers acted responsibly
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has insisted that the vast majority of Super Saturday drinkers acted responsibly.
Yesterday, pubs, restaurants and other areas of the hospitality sector in England reopened for the first time in three months.
Ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions in England on Saturday, Hancock had warned that people could end up “behind bars” if they got too carried away.
Subsequently, thousands flocked back to England’s pubs.
Disorder in some parts of the country forced pubs to close early, with police making arrests after violent clashes.
But Matt Hancock has claimed that the majority of drinkers acted responsibly, and practiced safe social distancing.
He added:
“Well I think that from what I’ve seen, although there’s some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have acted responsibly.
“The large proportion of people, the vast majority of people are, I think, doing the right thing.
“But of course we’ll take action when we need to when… if the minority break the rules.
“We’ll of course keep this very closely under review, and you’ve seen for instance in Leicester but also in other places that we don’t shirk from bringing in more drastic measures if that is what’s needed to control the virus.”
John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales, has criticised the drunken behaviour of some revellers.
He said it was “crystal clear” that drinkers would not adhere to the one-metre-plus rule as restrictions were eased:
“What was crystal clear is that drunk people can’t/won’t socialy (sic) distance.
“It was a busy night but the shift managed to cope. I know other areas have had issues with officers being assaulted. Now heading home, to those still on shift please stay safe.”
What do you think – can/will drunk people socially distance?
Contact Gi National
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
