News

Two pubs ban under 25s for fears that young people are spreading virus

The boozers have taken action following comments from Health Secretary Matt Hancock - who partly blamed recent case surges on "people in their 20s and 30s" going for drinks together.

The Manc The Manc - 11th September 2020
ELEVATE / Pexels

A pair of northern pubs have banned young patrons due to the government’s suggestion that under 30s are to blame for the country’s increase in coronavirus cases.

The boozers have set a minimum age requirement of 25 after Health Secretary Matt Hancock partly blamed the recent spike on “people in their 20s and 30s” going for drinks together.

Hancock claimed that track and trace data showed the virus was spreading most among this particular demographic.

Now, two pubs in Yorkshire have taken action to refuse access to the younger crowd.

The Oddfellows Arms in Sherburn in Elmet published a post on social media confirming the pub would no longer be “serving anyone in the age bracket 18-25.”

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The statement has since been removed following a vitriolic response on the web, but the landlady has insisted the pub is just “trying to keep people safe.”

David Sayles, landlord of The Angel Inn in Sheffield, also announced his pub would ban “any under 25s or any children, with immediate effect.”

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There are concerns that a second wave of the virus may be washing over the UK, with confirmed case rates reaching their highest numbers since May.

Testing centres are struggling to meet demand, and new restrictions on group socialising will enter law next week.

From Monday (14 September), gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England.

The rule does not apply to schools, workplaces or COVID-secure weddings, funerals and organised team sports.

News

London attraction The Curling Club is now expanding into Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Well-reviewed winter attraction The Curling Club, which has already made a name for itself in London, is now making its way to Manchester.

Set to open in Manchester’s world-class skyscraper district, New Jackson, The Curling Club is keeping its stay short and sweet, with a three-month residency here in the city centre.

Curling Club will signal in the mid-winter season as it runs from late November right through until the end of February, giving you a lengthy period of time to sweep ’til your heart’s content.

This sports-themed pop-up opened in the capital last year, offering guests a wintery escape packed with food and drink choices, accommodating up to 600 people at a time, right next to The Shard.

The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
The Curling Club is set to open in Manchester this November until February.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Imagine a pint or two in this curling haven in Manchester this year.
Credit: Justin De Souza

Now, Manchester’s latest activity bar destination is bringing its charm and competitiveness to Manchester for the first time ever, hoping to emulate the success of its capital predecessor while encouraging people to pick up the sport.

Just like the original London location, their Manc site will feature the iconic custom-built lanes and sustainably-made granite stones, which are set to improve your precision and control – fancy that.

We’re sure will still somehow manage to be the worst players in the room at any given time.

If that wasn’t enough curling expertise for you, there will also be on-site coaches helping guests perfect their technique and providing some top-notch advice.

There will even be an exclusive appearance from Olympic gold medallist Eve Muirhead and Team GB’s ‘Chef de Mission’, Mark England, who will be hosting select events across the two cities.

Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
Manchester can expect a similar curling set-up this year.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
The glitter-ball dancers ready and waiting for this wintertime.
Credit: Justin De Souza

New Jackson will be the ultimate backdrop for this innovative winter experience as the venue will be curating seasonal cocktails as well as being home to live DJS, glitter-ball dancers and some seriously good food.

You had us at booze and scran.

Keep this seasonal site in mind as they’re already marking themselves as a destination for work parties, events, group outings and Christmas party celebrations.

Trevor Bowers, Chairman of The Curling Club, said of the impending opening: “With this expansion and other plans, we’re accelerating our national rollout – all while staying focused on delivering exceptional, high-quality experiences for both guests and corporate clients during the winter season.”

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Justin De Souza (supplied)

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Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Hitler birthday party neo Nazis Oldham pub

Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.

Alarming stuff, to say the least.

The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.

Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.

Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)

The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.

Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.

As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”

Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.

During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.

neo nazi party for hitlers bday in royton oldham
oldham neo nazi party swastika cake
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)

GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.

“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.

“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”

Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps

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