Pub reopening passes peacefully

PUBS reopened across Halton without major incident on Saturday as emergency services braced for potential rowdy mayhem.

Cheshire police reported 10 arrests across the county linked to the night-time economy, but none of those were in Runcorn or Widnes.

Incidents included a serious assault outside a pub in Warrington and two drink driving matters in Northwich and Macclesfield.

Officers also advised two pubs to shut in Crewe and Sandbach due to not adhering to the Covid-19 restrictions.

A Cheshire police spokesman said both premises were report to their relevant local authority.

A Halton Borough Council spokesman said there were no pubs that had to shut in Widnes and Runcorn.

The Weekly News has received one unconfirmed report of a venue that was allegedly crowded with no safety measures in place.

Many pubs remained shut despite being allowed to reopen.

Government ‘guidance’ published measures for drinking venues to be considered ‘Covid-19 secure’. These said pubs should:

Use table service where possible instead of ordering at the bar and assigning a single staff member per table.

Encouraging use of contactless ordering from tables where available, such as through an app.

Discouraging non-essential trips by staff within venues, such as between the kitchen and front of house, by using radios and other electronic devices to communicate.

Encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilities as they enter the venue.

Providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene as punters arrive on the premises, with signage and visual aids.

Superintendent Julie Westgate said: “There has been lots of coverage regarding the reopening of licensed premises from July 4 and fortunately, here in Cheshire, this passed relatively peacefully.

“While there were a small number of isolated incidents linked to the night time economy, the overwhelming majority of people behaved responsibly and adhered to the COVID-19 restrictions that remain in place.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped to play their part in continuing in keeping the people of Cheshire safe.

“It was also encouraging to see the measures put in place by Cheshire licensees to keep their customers as safe as possible.”