This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On the first day that pubs reopened in England after the coronavirus shutdown, UK police officers reported chaotic scenes, with many patrons failing to maintain social distancing.
According to John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, a staff association for police in England and Wales, the reopening of pubs was a 'predictably busy night' that confirmed their concerns about the combination of alcohol and social distancing.
As pubs reopened, police in various parts of England dealt with a range of issues, including 'happy drunks, angry drunks, fights,' and antisocial behavior. Apter noted that 'what was crystal clear is that drunk people can’t/won’t socially distance.'
Despite warnings from police, images taken in central London's Soho district showed crowded streets, while five pubs in Nottinghamshire decided to close early due to anti-social behavior. Police made four arrests in connection with a smashed window and minor assault.
Devon and Cornwall Police reported receiving over 1,000 calls on Saturday from members of the public, mostly related to 'drink related disorder.' In Essex, southeast England, an officer tweeted that police had made four arrests.
UK Health Minister Matt Hancock told Sky News that he was 'pleased overall' with how the reopening went, but acknowledged that there were some 'pictures to the contrary.' He emphasized the importance of people acting responsibly and enjoying summer safely.
Restrictions were reimposed in Leicester, a city in the East Midlands, after a spike in coronavirus cases, making it the first in the UK to be put under a localized lockdown.
