Derbyshire police reveal how many people were arrested on weekend pubs reopened

Pubs across England have been welcoming customers back inside after lockdown restrictions were relaxed following nearly four months of shutdown to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

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Chief Inspector Becky Webster, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said this week: “The reopening of pubs across the county has, by and large, been a success.

“The majority of pub-goers behaved responsibly, practiced proper social distancing and enjoyed a night out, recognising that this was the new norm.

“The work that pubs and restaurants have undertaken has been fantastic and our licensing teams along with local authorities will continue working with the businesses to help support them over the coming days and weeks.

“However, as is always the case when alcohol is involved there were pockets of trouble.

“149 people were arrested over the weekend – with the same weekend last year seeing 145 people detained from Friday to Sunday.

“The demand for our services peaked between 12am and 1am with nearly 100 emergency calls coming into our control room – busier than a New Year’s Eve."

In Chesterfield on Saturday night, police attended the Portland Hotel in West Bars amid reports of a group of people ‘fighting’.

This footage of the brawl later surfaced on social media and residents slammed the ‘yobbish’ behaviour.

Ch Insp Webster said residents ‘still need to be absolutely on their guard and alive to the dangers that Covid-19 poses’.

"While infection rates are now much lower people are still losing their lives on a daily basis to this virus,” she added.

“So when you are out in a crowded place it is advisable to wear a face covering and you must practice proper social distancing – aiming to keep two metres away from anyone who is not in your immediate family or in your social bubble.

“When you are out please make sure you are looking out for your friends, ensure you know how you are getting home via pre-booked taxis or public transport, where you must legally wear a mask and keep properly distanced.”

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