Super Saturday descends into chaos in some parts as revellers seen ignoring social distancing rules
Social distancing is dead: Revellers pack Britain’s city centres to down 15million pints as police chief says it is ‘crystal clear’ that drunks won’t obey Covid rules but Matt Hancock declares end of lockdown ‘a success’
- Thousands of drinkers seized upon yesterday’s wave of lockdown easing to enjoy their first pints since March
- But as the revelry grew into the night, crowds gathered and appeared to show no regard for social distancing
- London’s Soho and Borough Market areas were heaving yesterday with drinkers bunched together on street
- Pub-goers expected to sink up to 15million pints at 23,000 establishments across the country yesterday
- Police in Leicester, where there is a local lockdown, say they put more officers on duty than New Year’s Eve
- Pub bosses in Nottinghamshire decided to shut early after disorder broke out near to their watering holes
By Jack Elsom and James Robinson and James Gant For Mailonline
Published: 20:23 EDT, 4 July 2020 | Updated: 05:13 EDT, 5 July 2020
Social distancing was declared to be in tatters yesterday as jubilant drinkers called time on lockdown and descended on the nation’s pubs.
Cities across Britain were heaving on a scale not seen since Boris Johnson ordered bars to shutter over a hundred days ago.
Brawls, vomiting and nudity returned to the country’s nightlife as millions of pints were emptied and Super Saturday celebrations became livelier into the evening.
Adherence to the government’s one-metre plus rule quickly evaporated in the most vibrant areas, such as Soho in London which became ‘out of control’ as thousands spilled on to the streets.
Chairman of the Police Federation John Apter recalled dealing with ‘naked men, happy drunks, angry drunks, fights and more angry drunks’ while on duty in Southampton.
He added: ‘What was crystal clear is that drunk people can’t/won’t socially distance. It was a busy night but the shift managed to cope. I know other areas have had issues with officers being assaulted.’
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock this morning hailed the biggest easing of restrictions a ‘success’ and claimed the drinkers had ‘very, very, largely acted responsibly’.
Crowds gathered in their numbers in Soho in London, where there are a number of bars on each side of the street
A man is detained by police on Princess Street in Manchester City Centre on Super Saturday as the nation’s pubs reopened
A reveler in Leeds curled up on the pavement is tended to by the police as the celebrations for the reopening of pubs continued well into the night
Paramedics from St Johns Ambulance help treat some party-goers in London on Super Saturday last night
Police were on patrol last night in Soho, London, as large crowds gathered there to drink on the first night of lockdown easing
Revellers in Leeds toast in the new wave of freedoms and head out on the town on Super Saturday when the pubs reopened
This taxi faced a wall of drunk revellers as the driver attempted to negotiate through the streets of Soho, London, last night
Plenty of revellers were seen embracing, including these two pub-goers in the streets of Soho, London last night
Cars struggled to get through the crowds of people in the street in Soho, London, last night as revellers drank in the street
Tensions began to flare as more alcohol was consumed and the Super Saturday revelry hotted up into the night (pictured: police speak with an agitated man in Bristol)
More than 200 revellers ignore police warnings to attend illegal rave in woods
Police broke up an illegal rave in a forest last night where more than 200 revellers had gathered to party on Super Saturday.
Officers cleared the crowds from a wooded area near Eston, Teesside, with the help of a police helicopter.
Cleveland Police scolded the revellers for heaping an unnecessary ‘burden’ on the NHS during the pandemic.
Superintendent Emily Harrison said: ‘This incident is unacceptable and we won’t tolerate illegal raves happening in Cleveland.
‘Raves like these pose potential safety concerns for those attending, they are illegal and attending such an event places an unnecessary burden on our NHS colleagues who have been working hard to try to keep us all safe during the ongoing pandemic.’
Video from the night, that appears to have been posted on Snapchat, shows a swarm of youngsters yelling as they brandish beer cans and bottles.
Experts said Britons sank up to 15million pints yesterday, as revellers poured out of their homes and into pubs and bars to enjoy their first taste of a draught pint since late March.
The government has come under fire for lifting restrictions too early while Leicester is still battling its own local outbreak, with many opting to stay at home for fear of driving a second nationwide wave.
But Mr Hancock was triumphant this morning, telling Sky’s Sophy Ridge: ‘I think that from what I have seen although there are some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have acted responsibly.
‘And this balanced message is so important – people should enjoy summer safely and of course the emphasis is both on enjoy and safely.
‘We, of course, everybody knows that we are doing everything we can to get back to normal but only to do that where it is safe to do so.
‘Overall I am pleased with what happened yesterday. It was really good to see people out and about and largely, very largely, using social distancing.’
But while much of the revelry passed peacefully, paramedics were seen tending to inebriated revellers collapsed on the floor, while other pub-goers were seen vomiting in the street.
Police in Devon and Cornwall say they received more than 1,000 reports last night, most of which were ‘drink-related’, while police in West Yorkshire were called to a ‘safety concern’ at a village pub near Bradford.
As drink flowed and tempers flared, four people were arrested in Brentwood High Street, Essex, following a ‘disturbance’, while in Nottinghamshire, some pub owners took the decision to close up after incidents of anti-social behaviour.
Cleveland Police broke up an ‘illegal rave’ in a forest on Teesside, where they drove out more than 200 people with a police helicopter.
And worryingly in Leicester, where a local lockdown has been enforced due to a spike in coronavirus cases, police called on ‘more officers on duty than on New Year’s Eve’ – to prevent people attempting to sneak out of the city in order to reach the pubs outside the lockdown zone..
Down the road, in picturesque Market Harborough, which is not part of the local lockdown zone, police last night authorised special powers to disperse groups of people following anti-social behaviour and ‘low-level disorder’.
A woman sits beside a store in Leeds last night, as the country ushered in the next wave of freedoms on Super Saturday
A couple sit down on the pavement in Leeds, where Super Saturday celebrations were in full swing last night amid the reopening of pubs
But revellers gathered in their hundreds in the Soho area of London last night as lockdown measures were finally eased
These pub-goers danced in the rubbish-strewn streets of Soho, London, last night, where revellers had dumped plastic cups and litter in the street
MANCHESTER: : Two couples walk past bars on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester after the road was closed to make space for outdoor drinking
It wasn’t just people in Soho having all the fun. In Clapham, in London, hundreds of people also took to the streets for a drink on the first night of pubs reopening
Customers queue to enter a bar on Hilton Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester
A policeman keeps watch over the large crowds that gathered on the street in the middle of Soho in London
These revellers were drinking from plastic cups in the street outside bars and pubs in the Soho area of London last night
Bar Soho in Soho, London, was one of the popular destinations for revellers, who danced in the streets last night
Shoreditch in London, which is always a popular hot-spot for party-goers, was busy again last night as revellers flocked back
Cargo in Shoreditch, London, was a particularly popular venue for those looking to blow of some steam after lockdown
Large crowds gathered in Soho in London last night for the first night of pubs and bars reopening after lockdown
Revellers in Clapham, London enjoyed a night in the pubs and bars as pubs reopened yesterday for the first time since lockdown began
Revellers in Clapham in London used beer kegs as seats as they enjoyed a pint on the first night of pubs and bars reopening
The government has urged people to maintain social distancing and limit the number of people from different households to six, while gatherings of more than 30 people are still banned
Outdoor seating was set out in closed street in Manchester so drinkers could gather outside. Groups of up to six from different households are allowed under the guidelines
Police tried to keep order in Soho, London, last night, as hundreds of drunk revellers partied in the streets on the first night of pubs reopening
Officers attempted to keep revellers out of the road to allow cars to pass through the streets in Soho, London, last night
Police in Soho, London, used a raise platform to keep watch over the drunk revellers last night as crowds gathered for the first time since lockdown began
Police patrolled the streets of Soho, London, last night and spoke to revellers as they gathered outside Bar Soho
Pedicabs taxied people around the streets of Soho in London last night as cars struggled to get through the crowds of people in the streets
One woman in Clapham in London is seen drinking from a beer can in a park near to bars and pubs
Plenty of rubbish, including plastic cups, tins, bottles and other pieces of plastic were thrown on the street during the partying
A crew from St John Ambulance help a reveller who is on the floor in Soho in London as pubs reopen for the first day yesterday
Police patrolled the streets of Soho in London where hundreds gathered to finally party again after months of waiting
Borough Market in London, near to the Shard, was another popular hot spot for pub-goers who gathered there both in the day and at night
Revellers were seen talking to each other holding pints of beer in each hand at bars in Borough Market in London
Taking a tumble: This woman in Newcastle lost her footing while enjoying a night out
A reveller falls over into the road in Newcastle last night on the day pubs and restaurants were finally allowed to reopen
These women appeared happy to finally be able to enjoy a night on the town in Newcastle
Police have created a vantage point over the area to keep watch on revellers tonight, on the first night pubs have opened since lockdown began
Two revellers embrace in the street in Soho with one seen carrying a bottle of red win in this hand, as both are surrounded by crowds of people
Revellers in Soho get into the spirit of things on the first night of pubs and bars reopening since lockdown began in March
A man waves to friends above the crowd in the street outside of the bars in an area of Soho in London last night
A group of drinkers enjoy the atmosphere in Manchester with takeaway pints of beer
Police are on patrol in London’s Borough Market as revellers continue to drink into the evening of the first day of pubs reopening
Music was playing in the street in Soho in London, where revellers danced along to the Macarena on night one of pubs reopening
While many enjoyed their first taste of a draught pint, others enjoyed drinks such as gin and tonic outside bars in Soho, London
Groups enjoyed a pint in Clapham in London as revellers finally got their first night out in three months
Streets were filled with people with a drink in their hand, including this man who appeared to have a win bottle with him while in Clapham in London
Borough Market in London was another popular hot-spot for revellers looking to blow off some steam after lockdown
Shoreditch in London, ever-a-popular night out, was heaving with revellers after pubs and bars reopened for the first time
Plenty of revellers visited the Railway pub in Clapham London last night for their first pint in 104 days
Drinkers were hit with hiked prices for beer, wine, cider and spirits as pub chains, including Wetherspoons, desperately tried to make up for lost business.
Pubs, cinemas, hairdressers reopen: What are the new social distancing rules for?
Individuals from up to six different households can meet up outside, while people from two households of any size can meet inside in England.
You can meet different households at different times.
But you still have to social distance with people from those different households.
That means that drinkers in pubs are supposed to keep at least one metre from others who are not in their group.
The social distancing has been cut from the strict two metre rule – down to Boris Johnson’s new ‘one metre plus rule’.
This means people should try to keep at least two metres if possible, but mitigate with face masks and other protective equipment where they can’t.
Drinkers will have to give their names and details to bar staff to assist with NHS Test and Trace.
There are limits on the number of customers that can enter at one time, to help maintain social distancing.
Bars must provide table service, while drinkers will be stopped from waiting at the bar.
Pubs are also be encouraged to provide hand sanitiser stations.
Noise, such as music and from sports on TV is also banned, to prevent people from singing and shouting.
There will also be less self-service of food and cutlery.
Rafal Liszewski, 36, a store manager at Clonezone on Soho’s Old Compton Street in London described crowds in the area on Saturday night after pubs were allowed to trad again as ‘out of control’.
‘Saturday started very easy. But you could feel tension in the air.
‘Around 1pm crowds started to arrive… quickly everything got out of control and by 8-9 pm it was a proper street party with people dancing and drinking.
‘Barely anyone was wearing masks and nobody respected social distancing… to be honest with that many people on one street it was physically impossible.’
Mr Liszewski, who is originally from Poland but now lives in Finchley, estimated there was between two and three thousand people on the street but his shop was only allowing seven customers at a time.
The guidance from the government allows groups from two households to gather inside pubs while maintaining one metre of social distancing from others, and groups of up to six from different households to gather outdoors.
The Prime Minister has urged restraint and ahead of the lockdown easing warned people not to undo the hard work in wrestling down the infection rate.
Health experts fear Britain is still at risk of a second wave of coronavirus with the R number between 0.7 and 0.9 for the whole country and feared to be creeping above one in London.
A further 67 new coronavirus deaths were announced yesterday – the lowest Saturday tally since lockdown began, bringing the UK’s total deaths from Covid-19 to 44,198 – and there were 624 further positive coronavirus cases.
‘So as we take this next step, our biggest step yet, on the road to recovery, I urge the British people to do so safely.’
Drinkers were hit with hiked prices for beer, wine, cider and spirits as pub chains, including Wetherspoons, desperately tried to make up for lost business.
That did little to deter revellers from descending on the chain’s pubs in their numbers, including The Regal, in Cambridge, where drinkers reportedly waited for up to an hour to get in.
Bars were not able to throw open their doors to customers first thing because the regulations enforced their four-month closure until 6am.
With the new coronavirus rules not published until Friday afternoon, some landlords had planned to open as soon as the clock ticked past midnight.
But Downing Street scotched the swift openings by ensuring the ban remained in place until after sunrise.
Among the first on the booze was Andrew Slawinski, 54, who return to the Toll Gate Wetherspoons in Turnpike Lane, north London. He said his Guinness was ‘gorgeous’, adding: ‘It’s like winning the [Premier] League.’
Ben Clark and his friends Curtis and Connor, were waiting for The Briar Rose in the heart of Birmingham to reopen from 7am.
The Geordie trio, covered in dust following a night shift working on a building site in the city, were ‘watching’ the pubs since 4am, eager to get their hands on the first pint since lockdown.
The mates wanted to grab a ‘well-deserved’ San Miguel and English breakfast from the Bennett’s Hill boozer.
Mr Clark said: ‘We’ve just finished night shifts, I’ve been watching the pubs since 4am this morning, when we came and reserved our tables ready for the pub opening ready for a pint of San Miguel and a breakfast.
‘I’m a big fan of Wetherspoons have been waiting for it since the first day of lockdown.’
Martin Sherrell, 63, pitched up at a Wetherspoons in Bristol at 8am and wolfed down a breakfast – before ordering alcohol as allowed at 9am.
He said he usually visits The Commercial Rooms but, as it was shut, was forced to relocate to The Berkeley with his two friends.
NEWCASTLE: Door staff outside the Market Shaker in the Bigg Market area of Newcastle (left) have been given personal protective equipment as pubs reopen yesterday. And door staff have been kitted out with equipment that allows them to take the temperature of those wishing to come in for a drink (right)
Earlier in the day Borough Market in London, normally a busy hot-spot for food-lovers and those in search of a pint, was packed as people gathered in their numbers for the first time since lockdown began
Crowds of merry Britons are continuing to toast the reopening of pubs – but have displayed the first signs that social distancing is beginning to fray (Borough Market pictured)
These two pub-goers were seen carrying plastic pints as they walked through the street in Borough Market, London
Some, such as this group in London, took the opportunity to play ‘pub golf’, a game in which pub-goers move from watering hole to watering hole trying to finish their drinks in as few sips as possible
Revellers were seen dancing in the street in Soho, London, where a man started playing live music to pub-goers in the area
Revellers were seen drinking bottles of beer and other drinks in Soho as other danced in the streets to a man playing a keyboard
Borough Market in London was busy yesterday as pubs and bars reopened for the first time since lockdown began in March
Borough Market wasn’t the only busy London hot-spot to be crowded by pub-goers. The streets of Soho in London were also busy today
As the evening draws in, bins in Soho are being filled with plastic cups, tins and bottles by eager pub-goers
Seating areas outside the bars and pubs in Soho were packed out by pub-goers eager for a drink with friends following the easing of lockdown rules
Police and emergency services are preparing for an influx of drunk pub-goers last night. in Manchester, one woman is seen throwing up while a man helps her
For some it was a chance to dig out their evening-out clothes for the first time since lockdown began. Borough Market (pictured) was one of the busiest areas
In Newcastle it was also a big night out, with people flocking to bars and pubs, some of them wearing face masks
The mates wanted to grab a ‘well-deserved’ San Miguel and English breakfast from the Bennett’s Hill boozer.
Mr Clark said: ‘We’ve just finished night shifts, I’ve been watching the pubs since 4am this morning, when we came and reserved our tables ready for the pub opening ready for a pint of San Miguel and a breakfast.
‘I’m a big fan of Wetherspoons have been waiting for it since the first day of lockdown.’
Martin Sherrell, 63, pitched up at a Wetherspoons in Bristol at 8am and wolfed down a breakfast – before ordering alcohol as allowed at 9am.
He said he usually visits The Commercial Rooms but, as it was shut, was forced to relocate to The Berkeley with his two friends.
Mr Sherrell added the trio were the only people in the pub when it opened – although staff said they were expecting many more later.
He ordered a bottle of Magners cider – and said that he would be enjoying a few more as the day wore on.
He said: ‘I had an early night last night in preparation. I set the alarm for 6am – but I was up at 5:15am. I’ve barely slept since I heard the Prime Minister’s announcement that pubs could open.
‘I was joking that I would have camped outside if it wasn’t raining! Me and my mates usually meet a couple of times a week, but we haven’t been to a Wetherspoons since March. We’ve been drinking there for years.
‘There was just the three of us and three workers when it opened. I think they’re expecting more later. I’m being sensible about it though. We all are. I’m a full-time carer for my mum. I’ve got a mask with me. I’ve had a nice bottle of Magners cider – I do like them. I’ll have a couple more.’
Five pub-goers dressed in protective suits and with face masks enjoy their first pub pint since March at The Wellington pub in Borehamwood welcomes its first customers since lockdown began
Pubgoers enjoyed a cold pint in the beer garden at the Canal house in Birmingham. The waterside location is large enough for several bubbles of friends to catch up and have a laugh on Super Saturday
Pub-goers have been in good spirits last night following the reopening of pubs and bars in England. Pictured: One pub-goer helps another with her shoe in Convent Garden in London
In Newcastle one woman is seen with her hands on a lamp post in Newcastle last night as the pubs reopened for the first time since March
One thirsty reveller even downed a Jagerbomb live on BBC News when he was approached about the pubs reopening.
He told the amused presenter ‘cheers’ as he raised his glass and then sank it in one at 11am.
Pubs along Portobello Road in Notting Hill, one of London’s busiest and most fashionable areas started filling up from midday onwards as drinkers made the most of the easing of the lockdown.
The Super Saturday rule book: What else is reopened yesterday?
RESTAURANTS
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can all reopen now, with both indoor and outdoor seating options – subject to distancing guidelines – allowed.
Reservations at popular spots are going fast, with some offering deals, discounts and free drinks to entice diners back.
HOTELS
Discretionary reopening for all hotels, B&Bs, holiday apartments, caravan parks and campsites from today. The only exception is youth hostel dorms.
BEAUTY SERVICES
Hairdressers and barbers can also reopen today, including freelance stylists who come to your home.
But other beauty services – nail bars, spas, waxing studios, massage parlours and tanning salons, whether mobile or in a fixed location, remain off-limits. Tattoo and piercing studios are also closed until further notice.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Outdoor playparks, skate parks and gyms reopened yesterday, as did amusement arcades and outdoor skating rinks. Indoor gyms, soft play areas, bowling alleys, dance/fitness studios, and indoor and outdoor pools remain closed until further notice.
All major theme parks, adventure parks, funfairs and model villages reopened yesterday, as are indoor attractions at zoos and safari parks, aquariums and enclosed areas of gardens, heritage sites and landmarks. Water parks and water rides remain closed.
WEDDINGS
Weddings and civil partnerships can go ahead, but numbers are limited to 30 people, including the couple, witnesses, staff and officiants.
Churches, mosques and other places of worship are open to the public, although private services such as funerals and baptisms are limited to 30 people.
CINEMAS
Showcase is the only chain to be reopening all its cinemas.
Odeon will open ten venues up and down the country, followed by the rest on July 16. Everyman will follow the same pattern.
Community centres, social clubs and youth clubs can all reopen this weekend, as can libraries – both local and national – and bingo halls.
All the tables in the beer garden in The Earl of Lonsdale were occupied. Staff stood outside instructing customers of Covid secure regulations and welcoming them back.
Staff took orders and brought drinks to tables while customers were allowed to pay for their drinks without having to go to the bar.
Emma Jenkins, 28 who arrived shortly after 11am with five friends said: ‘It’s been more than 100 days since I’ve been to a pub and it feels great. It’s as if we’ve been let out of prison and are getting our lives back to normal.’
Terry Braithwaite, 32 said: ‘It’s lovely to be back in a pub. It makes a difference to just be able to sit in a pub, have a chat with your mates and pass the afternoon away. It’ s another sign that the country is slowly getting back on its feet.’
Other pubs were only admitting customers who had made prior bookings. A bar worker at The Castle said:’ We opened at 11am and thought we’d be fully booked. But it’s not as busy as we expected. We were expecting people would come in their droves to party but I think the bad weather has put them off.’
Thirsty pub-goers were queuing outside The Black Horse in Blaby, just 50m outside Leicester’s lockdown zone.
The pub was due to open at 12pm, but by 11.45pm a well-spaced line of eager customers snaked around the corner of the popular watering hole, keen to get their hands on a pint.
‘But I’m ordering a pint of Jack Daniels,’ joked Dave Barber, 27, a gas engineer from Blaby, who was queuing with his mate, window cleaner, Paul Adams, 52. ‘We’ve missed the pub. This is our local and it’s the social side you miss.’
Blaby resident Chelsea Hughes, 21, had her heart set on a pint of Carling. ‘Maybe a little bit of lime in it,’ said the Birmingham Airport employee, who admits she is concerned about the spread of Coronavirus. ‘It’s worrying,’ she said. ‘It’s only up the road where it has spiked.’
Leicester’s strict lockdown, which began last week after a surge in Coronavirus infections, means all pubs within the exclusion zone are closed and residents cannot travel outside the boundary for a drink.
But the new lockdown appeared to be holding fast. There was no sign of locked-down residents seeking to breakout of the exclusion zone by train.
Leicester Station was devoid of customers and if anyone was considering catching a train to the ‘free world’ for a long-awaited pint then they had to navigate a band of inquisitive police officers in order to do so.
In an infographic, posted on Twitter, Leicestershire Police said it had more officers on duty than it normally has on New Year’s Eve – the busiest nice of the year for emergency services.
People or businesses that repeatedly flout the local lockdown law could receive fines of up to £3,200.
Hair salons and barbers were busier than pubs in many parts of the country, with customers patiently queuing outside waiting to get their locks in order. Chairs had been placed outside Frankie’s barber shop in East Acton.
Tony Forse, 42 said:’ I’ve been desperate for a proper hair cut. I know people have been paying black market prices for haircuts during the lockdown but I was getting my wife to do mine.
‘But she hasn’t done a very good job so I’m glad the barber can now sort it out.’
In Leicester pub-goers were queuing outside The Black Horse in Blaby, which is just 50 meters outside Leicester’s lockdown zone.
Punter downs Jagerbomb live on BBC News at 11am in front of surprised presenters
A punter has downed a Jagerbomb live on BBC News at 11am to the surprise of presenters.
The man, who has not been named, said cheers before necking the drink as pubs reopened.
One eager customer downed a Jagerbomb live on television after he was approached by the BBC
The presenter had told him: ‘I’m going to let you get back to the drinking, you have a great day.’
The man replied by raising a toast and finishing the shot before the camera cut.
The pub was due to open at 12, but by 11.45 a well-spaced line of eager customers snaked around the corner of the popular watering hole, keen to get their hands on a pint.
Local Chelsea Hughes, 21, had her heart set on a pint of Carling adding ‘Maybe a little bit of lime in it.
‘Coronavirus is worrying. It’s only up the road where it has spiked.’
There was no sign of locked-down residents seeking to breakout of the exclusion zone by train.
Leicester Station was devoid of customers, and if anyone was considering catching a train to the ‘free world’ for a long-awaited pint then they had to navigate a band of inquisitive police officers in order to do so.
‘We have turned a handful of people away, who have wanted to travel but it has been non-essential,’ said one police officer stationed at the entrance. ‘It’s been things like visiting a girlfriend. No one has admitted to travelling for a pint.’
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has welcomed the reopening of businesses.
On a visit to The Bell & Crown in Chiswick, west London, he said: ‘The hospitality sector is a vital part of our economy and crucial to people’s livelihoods – Britain’s pubs and bars alone employ almost half a million people – which is why it’s such good news that so many people are able to return to work this weekend, helping us all to enjoy summer safely.’
