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Former Isle Of Wight Based Police Chief Condemns Bad Behaviour As Pubs Reopen

John Apter

The National Chairman of the Police Federation for England and Wales - and former Island police officer, John Apter, has condemned bad behaviour demonstrated by some as pubs reopened yesterday (Saturday).

In a series of tweets, he criticised some of the drunken behaviour exhibited by some revelers whilst on his shift in nearby Southampton and said it was 'crystal clear' that they were not - and would not - adhere to the one-metre plus rule.

The statements from Mr Apter came as an Opinium survey found 52% of people asked believe outlets like pubs and restaurants are going back into business early, while 73% expect a second outbreak of coronavirus this year.

Despite the restrictions being lifted, some pubs and restaurants on the Isle of Wight did not reopen on Saturday evening. 

The national chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said that 'as many as half' the pubs across the country have chosen not to reopen.

Speaking to Sky News, they said:

"I think it's going to be difficult for pubs," he said.

"They are opening up under uncertain circumstances. They don't know if they're going to get their customers back.

"What you are finding is, some of the pubs haven't even bothered opening today - they want to see what's going to happen."

On the Isle of Wight, no major incidents were reported as pubs and restaurants opened for the first time since being ordered to close by the Prime Minister shortly before full-lockdown began.

The Isle of Wight Police's licensing teams were patrolling venues across the Island.

 

Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, told Sky News' Sophy Ridge that most people 'behaved reponsibly':

"Although there's some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have behaved responsibly...

"It was good to see people out and about and - very largely - social distancing."

 

 

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