‘If you’re likely to get aggressive when you’re drunk... don’t get drunk. It’s really that simple,’ say police ahead of pubs reopening

With social distancing guidelines now limited to ‘one metre-plus’ bars and restaurants have been allowed to open from this weekend, on July 4.

But Lincolnshire Police have appealed to would-be drinkers to stick to the law and follow Government advice to avoid loading extra strain on the NHS and causing another local lockdown as seen in Leicester.

In a social media post on the Force Control Room’s Twitter feed last night (Tuesday) they said: “As we move closer towards the weekend and more restrictions are to be lifted, we acknowledge many of you have been desperate to socialise and have a few drinks. Many of our officers have felt the same.

“But please take it easy,” said the spokesman. “Stick to the social distancing guidelines, don’t get yourself in such a state that you add extra strain on our NHS, and if you’re likely to get aggressive when you’re drunk... don’t get drunk. It’s really that simple.

“If you don’t expect yourself to be in lockdown again,” is the blunt warning they are giving out.

That could be either a coronavirus lockdown or “within one of our not-so-luxurious one bedroom, ensuite rooms in costa del custody,” they said.

On a more serious note, they warned to please keep Leicester’s example in mind, the first city to face localised lockdown in the UK, if going out to bars in Lincoln, as well as other towns.

“In Lincolnshire we have some of the lowest rates of infection in the country. Let’s keep it that way, so our great city can return to some normality as soon as possible,” they concluded.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman added: “We want people to enjoy a long awaited visit to the pub in a safe and peaceful way. Anyone choosing an alternative path of anti-social behaviour or violence will be dealt with robustly. We have plans in place and additional resources working over the weekend.

“We also have extra patrols on the roads at key times in response to the pubs reopening and we will specifically be seeking out anyone driving whilst unfit through alcohol or drugs.”

Cambridgeshire Police say they will be working in partnership with other agencies to keep the streets safe in Peterborough area this weekend.

A force spokesman said: “Our approach will be the same as it has been throughout the lockdown period. We will continue to patrol and will approach each matter on a case-by-case basis.

“We will follow the principle of engage, explain and encourage and only enforce as a last resort.”

East of England Ambulance Service are also urging the public to show restraint, drink responsibly and remember social distancing.

They say extra staff have been scheduled to cover the weekend (Saturday to Monday).

During lockdown the ambulance trust has dealt with around 25 per cent fewer alcohol-related incidents on Saturdays compared with the same period last year.

The public are also reminded of the need to stay hydrated and keep out of the sun as much as possible if the weather is hot.

Marcus Bailey, Chief Operating Officer at East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “With pubs and restaurants reopening, there is clearly potential for increased callouts and we are asking the public to drink responsibly and respect the guidelines put in place by businesses and the government, such as social distancing and regular hand washing

“We have put in place contingencies to deal with the increased activity but are hopeful they will not be needed and our staff will be left to deal with urgent cases.

“The safety of our patients and staff is of paramount importance to us and we hope the public will enjoy themselves safely and sensibly.”

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is also urging the public to act sensibly to not risk overwhelming A&Es.

President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Katherine Henderson said: “To many Saturday will come as a welcome release from an unprecedented nationwide lockdown and it is understandable that people want to let off steam.

“But we urge the public to be careful and use common sense. The NHS has coped admirably during this period, but staff are exhausted, and the system is very fragile. After seeing all of the goodwill, all of the clapping for the NHS, it would be heartbreaking to see A&Es overwhelmed on the first post-lockdown evening by people who have gotten too drunk or been in a fight.

“If you go to A&E because you’re plastered, you end up stretching the health service further and potentially put others at risk. Not only do you risk accidentally infecting someone with coronavirus because you don’t know you have it, but you are taking up the time of doctors who could be treating patients whose lives are in danger.

“It has never been more important that our Emergency Departments are for absolute emergencies only, and it has never been more important that people drink responsibly.

“While social distancing measures may have been relaxed, the threat of coronavirus has not gone away; it is still very real, it is still very dangerous.

“We need the public to help; act responsibly, drink responsibly and do maintain social distancing. It is also really important that people choose the care service that is most appropriate for their needs. If it is not an emergency, call 111, see a pharmacist, book a GP appointment. If you are seriously injured or sick, go to your A&E – you will be treated.

“We cannot go back to a pre-covid world where everyone turns up at a crowded A&E for treatment. We need patients to choose wisely and we need proper provision of alternative care services. Without both, A&Es risk becoming hubs of infection and we will end up back at square one.”