‘Normal weekend’ as pubs emerge from lockdown
POLICE said the much-anticipated big reopening last Saturday which saw pubs and bars able to open for the first time in months produced a ‘normal weekend’.
It was billed Super Saturday, England’s very own Independence Day, followed the latest relaxation of lockdown rules.
A significant policing operation was put in place ahead of the weekend and NHS Trusts were also warned to ‘prepare for Super Saturday like it’s New Year’s Eve’.
In many areas it turned out a bit like the weather to be somewhat of a damp squib - although perhaps that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing with coronavirus still very much a real threat.
Sgt Nigel Hindle, of Hyndburn Local Policing Team, said: “The pubs in The Hyndburn area opened successfully with relatively few incidents and no more than would occur on a normal weekend.
“Landlords and managers have worked closely with the police and licensing authorities to ensure safety within their premises and the vast majority of people observed social distancing and enjoyed their time out in a sociable but safe environment.
“Both the police and the licensing authorities are continuing to work closely with licensed premises to ensure this continues and that the public and staff within these premises remain protected yet have a good time.”
Council leader Miles Parkinson OBE said he felt the weather played a major part in the first weekend being quieter than expected in some quarters.
He said: “I think the Lancashire Constabulary probably wanted it opening on a Monday. If it had been 79 or 80 degrees it would have been very problematic. I think the weather damped it down and it’s been steadily building it up. We do need to support our businesses and we do need to get out to the bar and restaurant.”
As well as restaurants and pubs, museums and galleries, cinemas, hairdressers, children’s playgrounds and holiday accommodation were allowed to reopen from Saturday.
Coun Parkinson added that he had booked a table for fish and chips in Great Harwood on Thursday - although his wife Bernadette was responsible for his latest trim.