The curfew for pubs could be brought forward to 6pm or ‘even earlier’, as there is little evidence the current closing time is making a difference, a top government expert said.
England’s deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam reportedly made the comments during a virtual summit with Greater Manchester MPs on Thursday.
Downing Street are locked in a stalemate with the region, who are resisting being put under ‘very high risk’ third tier coronavirus restrictions unless they are provided more financial support.
One MP told the Telegraph that when asked whether the current 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants has affected transmission rates, Professor Van-Tam said: ‘Not really. I’d prefer 6pm, or even earlier.’
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He also reportedly told MPs that there was no guarantee closing pubs and bars completely would help bring the UK’s second wave back under control.
It comes as Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said a deal to persuade Greater Manchester to enter a tier three lockdown should be reached ‘today or tomorrow’.
He said there had been ‘constructive’ talks with mayor Andy Burnham, amid reports the metropolitan county could be given up to £100million to soften the economic blow the new restrictions will have.
Since the Government unveiled its new three tier ‘traffic light’ system for regional lockdowns last week, Liverpool and Lancashire have been placed into the most severe category.
Under tier three rules people are not allowed to socialise in anyone outside their household or support bubble in any indoor spaces or private gardens.
All pubs and bars must close unless they are serving substantial meals and restaurants are still subject to the nationwide 10pm curfew.
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has asked Boris Johnson to provide proof the mandatory closing time will curb the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking on LBC last week, he said: ‘I doubt there is any scientific basis behind it.’
He said the forced closure of boozers ‘isn’t working as intended’ as people have simply carried on partying in the streets after last orders.
Critics have warned pubs all shutting at the same time will result in overcrowding of public transport.
In the early hours of Saturday morning as London was moved to second tier restrictions, revellers crowded in the streets of Soho and clashed with police as many refused to go home.
Under tier two people are not allowed to meet anyone outside their household or bubble in any indoor setting, but they can still socialise in groups of six in pub gardens or outdoor seating areas of restaurants.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2020/10/19/pubs-should-have-6pm-curfew-as-10pm-closures-are-ineffective-13443162/