Thousands head out for Halloween despite city being on brink of tier three rules
Youngsters in Nottingham marked their last night before moving into tier three restrictions with fancy dress and drinking.
People descended on the city centre in costumes and were seen drinking in large groups ahead of the tighter restrictions being rolled out.
The whole of Nottinghamshire officially moved into tier three at 12.01am on Friday, joining millions of others in England under the toughest restrictions in a battle to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Additional rules have also brought a ban on shops selling alcohol after 9pm.
Visit our live blog for the latest updates Coronavirus news live
The revellers seemed to be celebrating Halloween two nights early, sidestepping guidance to avoid gathering in large groups and ignoring warnings of fines from police.
Prior to the street celebrations, Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell addressed imposing fines on those who have broken rules, saying: ‘Sadly there has been a minority of people who think the legislation doesn’t apply to them and we have been forced to take action, and in some cases hand out fines.
‘In the last week we have given £10,000 fines to four people who organised parties with more than 30 people present as well as numerous £200 fines to people who wantonly broke the law.’
Police vehicles and ambulances were visible in the city throughout the night, poised in case of emergency.
Elsewhere, Kay Cutts, the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, told reporters of how the 9pm alcohol ban had been requested in an attempt to stop students partying.
She explained: ‘That’s something which has been blighting a bit of Nottinghamshire… younger people don’t ever think they are going to catch anything.’
Similarly, Liverpool faced large crowds descending on the streets at night just hours before the city moved into tougher restrictions earlier this month.
As of this morning, the county of Nottinghamshire, comprising the eight districts of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Nottingham and Rushcliffe have moved into the tier three alert level.
Pubs will not be allowed to be open unless they are serving substantial meals, while residents will not be allowed to socialise with anyone from outside their household or support bubble indoors or at most outdoor hospitality venues.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.