London lockdown: what Soho looked like last night when pubs closed before Level 2 restrictions



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Londoners did their best in the city’s pubs and bars last night enjoying their last night before the capital moved to Level 2 of the coronavirus lockdown.

Police ended up having to disperse crowds in Soho around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16 after revelers left pubs at 10 p.m. curfew but continued to gather in the streets.

The new restrictions for the Level 2 ‘High’ alert level in London came from 0.01am on Saturday 17th October, so on Friday night Londoners enjoyed a night out with friends for the last time before they entered the rules.

If you live in a Level 2 area, it cannot blend in with any other home indoors. That includes a private home and entertainment or entertainment venues.

So going to the pub or even having a little lunch in a restaurant with a friend who lives apart from you now would be breaking the rules.

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Police dispersed a gathering at the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street in Soho after the 10 p.m. curfew on Friday night.
Police dispersed a gathering at the corner of Old Compton Street and Frith Street in Soho after the 10 p.m. curfew on Friday night.

The only exception is if you are in a support bubble with someone from another household.

Businesses in central London say they are predicting “tough times” in the coming weeks as the capital prepares for new coronavirus restrictions, PA reports.

Waqas Sadiq, a janitor at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club on Frith Street, Soho, said the new rules had made a lot of people “very unhappy.”

“A lot of people are talking about it, there is going to be a very bad impact from next week on all businesses, especially in the West End,” he said.

The crowds took to the streets after leaving the pubs at 10pm
Crowds took to the streets after leaving the pubs at the 10pm curfew

“In our establishment we have had to call all the people who have already reserved, the people who do not live at the same address and tell them that they may cancel their tickets.

“Starting next week, it will be a very difficult time for all West End businesses, all restaurants and pubs. There are fewer people.

“I think a lot of people are unhappy. A lot of people are losing their jobs and people don’t have money right now. “

A small protest against the new measures was organized in Soho on Friday night and some revelers were taken away in handcuffs.

A protest against the new Level 2 blockade measures also took to the streets of Soho
A protest against the new Level 2 blockade measures also took to the streets of Soho

Piers Corybn, who had previously been arrested and fined £ 10,000 for violating coronavirus regulations, arrived later to show his support.

“We are here to drink against the curfew,” said former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn’s brother.

“Oppose the closures, oppose the loss of jobs caused by the closures, oppose everything.

“The whole lot should get up now.”

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Londoners are told to expect to see additional patrols by police to discourage and deal with violations of the new regulations.

Officers will patrol near bars and pubs in the evenings.

Deputy Deputy Commissioner Matt Twist, the Met’s leader for Covid-19, said: “This is a critical moment in London’s fight against this deadly virus and in the coming weeks I know that the vast majority of Londoners will make the right decisions to stay. and their families safe.

“Frustratingly, we have seen a small number of dangerous and reckless breaches of regulations and as the alert level rises in London we are taking our policing approach.

“Therefore, London communities can expect to see an increase in our efforts to address the most deliberate, damaging and flagrant regulatory violations.

“We will not hesitate to take action against those people or companies that put people at risk.

“As we move into this new phase of heightened alert, I would urge people across the city to work with us. If each of us is responsible, we can help minimize the spread of the virus and help keep London’s most vulnerable communities safe from harm.

Key New Rules in Level 2 Lockdown

In all 32 boroughs of London, the key new restrictions in addition to those already in place are:

  • People should not meet with anyone outside their home or support the bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place.
  • People should not gather in a group of more than 6 outdoors, even in a garden or other space.
  • People should try to reduce the number of trips they take whenever possible. If they need to travel, they should walk or bike whenever possible, or plan ahead and avoid rush hours and routes on public transportation.

Do you want more news? Go to the MyLondon home page.



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