The new ‘Rule of Six’ comes into effect today: Here’s what you can and can’t do
Police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 for any groups caught flouting the rules, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200.
Boris Johnson’s ‘Rule of Six’ officially comes into force today (14 September) – meaning members of the public are only permitted to socialise in groups of half-a-dozen max.
The curbs on mass gatherings have been introduced as part of the government’s recent efforts to arrest the rise of coronavirus cases in the UK – with the country now recording over 3,000 positive tests per day.
The Rule of Six is set to be enforceable by law; applying in any setting, whether that’s “indoors or outdoors, at home or in the pub.”
Those who do not follow the rules could face a “criminal record“.
Police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices of £100 for breaches, doubling for further breaches up to £3,200.
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Those found guilty of organising mass gatherings of 30 people or more are liable for fines of up to £10,000.
Socialising restrictions remain even tighter in the ‘high-risk’ area of Greater Manchester.
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Anyone living in one of the local boroughs (except for Stockport and Wigan) should avoid mixing with other households in any setting.
In Bolton – which has more coronavirus cases than any other part of the country – businesses and venues must close from 10pm to 5am each day, whilst the hospitality sector can only operate takeout services.
Casinos, skating rinks and bowling alleys – which opened last month in other parts of Greater Manchester – remain closed.
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The government has also listed a number of exceptions to the Rule of Six.
These include:
Where everyone lives together or is in the same support bubble, or to continue existing arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents
Work, and voluntary or charitable services
Education, training, or registered childcare
Fulfilling legal obligations such as attending court or jury service
Providing emergency assistance, or providing support to a vulnerable person
For you or someone else to avoid illness, injury or harm
Participate in children’s playgroups
Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, or for other religious life-cycle ceremonies – where up to 30 people will be able to attend
Funerals – where up to 30 people will be able to attend
Protests and political activities organised in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidance and subject to strict risk assessments.
Holidaying is still permitted, provided you go with the people in your household/bubble and the group is no larger than six.
Restaurants and pubs not currently under local lockdown rules can continue to welcome patrons; but those who attend should not do so in groups of more than six.
Police ‘delighted’ after Manchester man is jailed for running county lines drug operation
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester man has been jailed for his part in running a county lines drug operation that exploited vulnerable people.
Following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) County Lines Team, John Joyce, of Stuart Street in Manchester, was identified as operating a county lines drugs network that supplied Class A drugs across Greater Manchester, and was subsequently jailed for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
The investigation – which uncovered extensive evidence of drug supply – found that Joyce was the controller of the “CEE” line – a mobile number used to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.
Among that ‘extensive’ evidence was more than 31,000 text messages and 8,700 calls linked to drug dealing activity, and ‘flare’ messages advertising drugs for sale sent in bulk, as well as forensic analysis linking Joyce to two personal mobile numbers and vehicles used during the operation.
CCTV footage was also uncovered showing Joyce purchasing top-up vouchers for the drugs line.
#JAILED | Man sentenced to over 5 years in prison for running county lines drug operation
Our County Lines Team investigation uncovered extensive evidence of drug supply & found he was the controller of the “CEE” line, a mobile number used to distribute crack cocaine & heroin pic.twitter.com/WAdej9lLxU
And the final nail in the coffin was that a search of the 28-year-old’s Manchester apartment uncovered more than 460g of crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Joyce fled the UK and headed to Dubai in an attempt to evade justice, but was arrested upon his return at Manchester Airport in October 2025.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling county lines networks that exploit vulnerable people and blight communities,” explained Detective Constable Josh Claxton, of GMP’s County Lines Team.
“Joyce’s operation was significant and his sentence reflects the harm caused by class A drug supply in Greater Manchester.
“He evaded justice for a long time, but now we are delighted to have locked him up so he can no longer cause damage to people’s lives.”
Joyce has been jailed for five years and three months after appearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court this week (Tuesday 16 December).
Featured Image – GMP
News
Popular bar chain The Alchemist to rewind back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 next month
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular bar chains is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday next month by winding back to 2010.
Money is always tight in January, right?
Once Christmas is over with, and so is the festive feasting and drinking, many like to use the first month of the new year to lay low and save some money back up – which is why The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition ‘2010 Revival Menu’, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes – all at their original prices from 16 years ago.
For the whole month, you can enjoy the curated throwback selection starting from £6, which i perfectly timed for a month of saving without sacrificing going out.
The Alchemist is rewinding back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 / Credit: The Manc Group
The 2010 Revival Menu includes the return of the fan-favourite White Chocolate Raspberry Martini for £6 on the cocktail menu, which was an early Alchemist staple, alongside other fan-favourites like the Colour Changing One and Virgin Pornstar, both for £6 again.
When it comes to food dishes for £6, you can tuck into a selection of different refreshing salads, while stretching your budget up to £10 will get you things like Chicken in a Basket, a Cheeseburger, and Fish and Chips.
Other iconic Alchemist cocktails returning for a fraction of the price next month include the popular Smoky Old Fashioned, and Dead Read Zombie – both for £8.
The Alchemist opened its original bar in Manchester‘s swanky Spinningfields district all the way back in 2010, and quickly became a popular and stylish destination with its high ceilings and industrial features, and has since developed into a much larger chain – with not only more Manchester destinations, but others across the UK too.
The Manc -
14th September 2020 
