People were eager to get out to bars and clubs last night, with the prospect of a potential second national lockdown looming.
In Birmingham and Newcastle, there were big queues to get into venues, with little evidence of social distancing in some places.
Dirty Martini, Be At One and The Briar Rose (Wetherspoons) were all very popular in Birmingham.
The Briar Rose was one of the only bars where people queued correctly along social distancing markers.
Birmingham is currently in a local lockdown restricting people from visiting other households.
However, they are allowed to meet others in a pub.
The Government is urging people to be sensible and use common sense when out.
Speaking after new restrictions were announced in Birmingham, Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: ‘I know this is difficult, particularly when we have got used to seeing friends and family, but it is vital we stick to these rules and protect each other given the sudden rise in infection rate.
‘If we all follow the rules we will get the infection rate down, but we have to work together on this. The virus has not gone away, it has not weakened, in fact it is relentless and we must be relentless in our efforts to control the spread.
‘I understand that it may be frustrating that you can go to the pub but not see your family, but the data we have shows that the infection rate has risen mainly due to social interactions, particularly private household gatherings.
‘In shops and hospitality venues there are strict measures in place to ensure they are Covid-safe, whereas it is much easier to inadvertently pass on the virus in someone’s house where people are more relaxed and less vigilant.’
Newcastle also saw a busy evening, although people had to cut their nights short due to a curfew meaning bars and clubs had to close at 10pm.
People weren’t letting the pandemic get them down, with some carrying a cardboard cut-out of Harry Styles while others posed in the street.
Local restrictions in Northumberland, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham came into force on Friday.
Residents in these areas are banned from socialising in homes or gardens with people outside their own households or support bubble, and advised not to socialise in public venues too.
Food and drink venues are restricted to table service only and leisure and entertainment venues are required to close between 10pm and 5am, although takeaways can still provide home deliveries during these times.
People should avoid non-essential travel on public transport and only take holidays with their own household or support bubble.
The measures cover an estimated two million people.
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