Coronavirus: New 11pm curfew ‘could push pub-goers onto streets en masse’

With a 10pm curfew in place in England, large crowds have been filmed spilling onto the streets after closing time in several cities such as Manchester and Liverpool.

This prompted fears the restrictions, designed to slow the spread of coronavirus, were causing more harm than good.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called for an “urgent review” of the curfew laws in place there.

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) has warned the new curfew rules announced by First Minister Arlene Foster could create a similar situation here.

The industry body’s chief executive Janice Gault said: “The NIHF was advised last week of the Executive’s intent to introduce a curfew for the hospitality sector.

“We appreciate the concern about the rise in infection and the sentiment around the introduction of such a measure.

However, as seen in other destinations – Liverpool and Manchester in particular – such a measure can in effect create a much greater issue.

“The curfew in these cities has resulted in gatherings in ways that are not easy to police, and instances of anti-social behaviour, with alcohol consumption in unregulated and unlicensed places.”

She continued: “The first minister has announced that hotels along with other elements of the hospitality sector will now close at 11pm with last orders for both food and drink at 10.30pm.

“We believe that this measure may lead to more anti-social behaviour and the fact that off-licences remain open to 11pm may not address or mitigate the continuing issue of house parties which have been identified as a major factor in the spread of the pandemic.”

The director of the Limelight venue in Belfast was also critical of the new rules.

Alan Simms said the new rules would “push patrons out of safe premises, with socially distanced measures, into the streets en masse”.

He added: “The effect that these curfews will have on jobs, morale and mental health is immeasurable and we call for the Executive to review them as a matter of urgency.”

Meanwhile, Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill has expressed concern at the sector losing hours due to the new restrictions.

“We respect that health has to come first, but this curfew and other restrictions must be kept under continuous review,” he said.

“The sector is going to lose hours, it’s losing staff and it has lost live music and needs to be given a fighting chance.

“A curfew is not ideal, but we in the hospitality sector will do all we can to make this work, which hopefully will be only a temporary measure.”