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Liverpool city center was deserted on Friday night as bars, pubs and restaurants closed early under new curfew rules.
More restrictions were introduced for Merseyside this week, including a rule that hospitality venues would have to close early in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
As cases rose across the country in recent weeks, the government and local councils made the difficult decision to re-close more locations.
The new rules for hospitality came into play on Thursday, meaning that Friday was the first weekend night revelers would be sent home early when bars closed long before their regular hours.
Popular areas of Liverpool were left empty and silent as staff asked patrons to finish their drinks and meals and close the blinds shortly before 10 p.m.
Police officers were seen patrolling the busiest areas with forces issuing guidance ahead of the weekend.
Small groups of people were seen on Castle Street waiting for taxis and heading away from the city center to begin their journey back home.
Mathew Street, an area known for its busy bars and clubs, was completely empty within minutes after curfew, and the bar staff would direct people away from the area as they hit the streets.
One group, who spoke to ECHO while they waited for a ride home, said a downtown bar called in for the last orders around 9.15pm and workers explained that they wanted to make sure everyone could finish their drinks with enough time and not be He hurriedly left.
One woman said: “They came to the table and told us the last orders were at 9:15 pm and we asked them if it was a little earlier.
“The girl who served us said they didn’t want to rush people at 10pm so we made sure we could finish early but still enjoy ourselves.
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“We went to a few places tonight and they were all pretty quiet. All the staff were wearing masks.
“It was a bit calmer, but the atmosphere was still good. It’s a bit disappointing that the night ended so early.”
On Friday afternoon, Merseyside Police issued a statement to remind people of the city of the rules for this weekend.
A spokesperson said: “Merseyside Police are reminding local residents to stay safe and follow the new Covid-19 guidance, ahead of the first weekend in Merseyside under the latest new regional and national restrictions.”
In Merseyside, the following restrictions were implemented on Tuesday, September 22:
– Residents should not socialize with other people outside their own homes or support the bubble in private homes and gardens;
– Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only; Y
– The night operating hours will be restricted, and leisure and entertainment venues, including restaurants, pubs and cinemas, must close between 10 pm and 5 am
These changes apply to Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, St Helens and Sefton in Merseyside, as well as Halton and Warrington in Cheshire.
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In addition to the national rules that were also introduced this week: ‘the six o’clock rule’, bars, pubs and restaurants closing times at 10pm, additional facial coverage requirements and changes to indoor sports and events like weddings and funerals, which were introduced nationwide.
Superintendent Chris Gibson said: “We recognize that these latest restrictions mean more sacrifices for our residents and that they affect each of our daily lives.
“However, I hope the people of Merseyside will come together to follow the new rules and act responsibly so that we can reduce current infection rates.”
“We will have additional police resources in the city and in all of our local police areas and, as they have been since the beginning of the pandemic, our officers will engage with the public, encouraging people to adhere to the new restrictions, explaining why. It is so important and when necessary we will take enforcement action.
“If you don’t follow the instructions of the officers, you risk being fined £ 100, which will double up to a maximum of £ 3,200 if not paid.”
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