Public warned about irresponsible venues ahead of weekend heatwave

By Iain Lynn
Published 6th Aug 2020, 16:08 BST
Updated 6th Aug 2020, 16:12 BST
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People have been warned to avoid any venues breaking lockdown rules ahead of a weekend that could see temperatures rise as high as 37C (98.6F) in Britain.

After additional lockdown laws were introduced in Manchester among other northern locations on Wednesday, Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, chastised venues that had reportedly broken the rules.

“Over the past week, I have heard of numerous pubs, bars and restaurants who have been squeezing customers in, flouting social distancing rules, ignoring contact tracing and actively persuading mixed groups not to cancel bookings,” he said.

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“These venues clearly have a disregard for the safety of both their customers and their staff, and I support our Mayor Andy Burnham and Greater Manchester Police in taking action over repeat breaches in these venues.

Customers sit outside a bar, near a sign promoting post-COVID-19 lockdown shopping, in ManchesterCustomers sit outside a bar, near a sign promoting post-COVID-19 lockdown shopping, in Manchester
Customers sit outside a bar, near a sign promoting post-COVID-19 lockdown shopping, in Manchester

“It’s also crucial that the general public takes responsibility too. We must work together to show venues that we will not stand for those who break the rules.

“If you feel uncomfortable, or that an establishment does not have the right procedures in place, then I urge you to take your booking elsewhere.”

Mr Lord’s words of warning come after an outbreak at a bar in Aberdeen was confirmed to have led to dozens of positive tests.