Leicestershire police to support the re-opening of pubs and restaurants

The force says they'll be deploying additional officers to work over the weekend period and beyond.

An operation to support the re-opening of the night-time economy and help support the policing of lockdown has been launched by Leicestershire Police.

Additional officers, including members of their special constabulary will be deployed to work over the weekend period and beyond.

The force says the introduction of additional measures by the Government due to a spike in coronavirus cases in the Leicester area means the force will have a dual approach to its operation.

This will see officers supporting the policing of the lockdown measures in the greater Leicester area and, running in parallel to this, it will be policing the easing of restrictions outside of the restricted area where pubs and restaurants will reopen from 4th July.

The force says Operation Integrate will see more officers on duty than for a typical New Year’s Eve to help ensure communities across Leicestershire stay safe.

The force is urging people to do all they can to follow the advice of Save Lives, Save Livelihoods, Be Responsible and Socialise Safely.

Outside the restricted area the force has been working with community safety partners and the licensing trade to support and facilitate the reopening of premises from Saturday onwards.

The force is asking people to plan their days and to abide by any new operating rules premises may have in place to support social distancing.

T/Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “First and foremost we want to keep people safe. We are in the middle of a continued public health crisis so that has to be everyone’s top priority.

“We will be working across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, being that highly visible presence and engaging with our communities.

"We realise it is a difficult situation and we are all still adapting to these new challenges.

“We would ask people within the restricted area to follow the Government’s recommendations of staying home as much as possible during this period and only travelling where it is essential.

“Across the rest of the county and Rutland not affected by the additional restrictions if you are planning to venture out to your local pub remember there are still guidelines in place around social distancing and many pubs and restaurants will have instigated procedures to help keep you safe – please respect and follow those procedures.

“We want people to be able to enjoy themselves but to do so responsibly, having respect for others and socialising safely. Plan your day and plan how you are going to get home.

“We have a policing operation in place to support all of this across the county and Rutland but we will be continuing our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing. Of course, we have the option of enforcement open to us which we will use where appropriate.”