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Alcohol consumption in open spaces banned in Manchester city centre ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

Greater Manchester Police informed the public via social media this afternoon.

The Manc The Manc - 26th August 2020

A ban on the consumption of alcohol in open spaces is confirmed to have been put in place in Manchester city centre ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Greater Manchester Police informed the public via social media this afternoon.

A spokesperson for the constabulary stated this is due to “pandemic and public health fears” and that officers will be doing everything they can to “ensure legislation is complied with in order to keep everyone safe”.

It comes after police continued to get calls about illegal raves and parties taking place across the region, despite local lockdown restrictions amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Under new legislation, fines can potentially rise up to £10,000.

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Inspector Jonathan Shilvock said: “Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, events taking place over the bank holiday weekend have had to be cancelled for fears around public health and a possible lack of social distancing.

“In previous years during managed and licensed events people have been permitted to consume alcohol in open spaces, however due to this year’s events being cancelled, and for the fear of the effect it has on public health, there is a Public Space Protection Order in place in Manchester city centre,”

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He continued: “[This] prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a non-licenced public place and will be enforced this weekend by Greater Manchester Police.

“Public health is one of GMP’s priorities and we will do all that we can to ensure the population comply with the legislation, keeping the population safe.

“We urge anyone planning on gathering in the city centre this weekend to think twice, listen to government guidelines and protect the health of your family and friends by keeping to the social distancing rules this weekend.”

This is a breaking news story – More to follow.

News

Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Pubs are to be permitted to extend their opening hours if England make it through to the semi-finals of EURO 2024 this summer.

With the Premier League, and the English and Scottish football leagues, all drawing to a close over the next couple of weeks, our nations are already looking ahead to what is gearing up to be a massive summer of sport – with both the UEFA EURO 2024, and the 2024 Olympics coming up before August is out.

And now, it’s been revealed by Home Secretary James Cleverly that if either England or Scotland’s mens national football teams make it to the semi-final of European football’s flagship tournament, then pubs will be allowed to stay open for longer.

But, there’s a bit of a catch… because isn’t there always?

The Government has said that venues will be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours on match days if either or both teams reach the last four or the final of the competition, but this only applies to pubs that already have a license to open until 11pm anyway.

pints of beer
Pubs can extend their opening hours if England make it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals / Credit: Piqsels | Wikimedia Commons

The move to extend opening hours comes after a consultation at the end of last year, and is hoped to provide a boost to the hospitality industry – which has notably been hit hard during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The Home Secretaries in England and Wales, under Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003, can make an order relaxing licensing hours to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, but the Scottish and Northern Irish Governments have to set their own rules.

“We have listened to the public through our consultation,” explained Home Secretary James Cleverley, “and we will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”

The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July / Credit: UEFA

Mr Cleverley said the move will “allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home”.

This legislation is set to be laid in Parliament today (Wednesday 8 May) to ensure there is enough time for it to be debated and passed before the tournament begins on Friday 14 June, the Government has confirmed.

Read more:

The EURO 2024 semi-finals are to be held on Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 July, with the final taking place on Sunday 14 July.

Featured Image – Louis Hansel (via Unsplash)

News

Man charged in connection with broad daylight murder of 51-year-old woman in Tameside last year

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man has been charged in connection with the tragic murder of 51-year-old woman in Tameside last year.

Michelle Hodgkinson had been walking along Edge Lane in the Droylsden area of Tameside on Friday 2 June 2023 when she was approached by a male and stabbed to death in broad daylight.

The 51-year-old had was said to have just been going about her day, and was walking to meet her mum so that she could take her shopping when the horrific incident occurred, and although emergency services rushed to the scene, despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead a short while later.

Michelle was described as “amazing, loving, selfless, and funny” by her family in an emotional tribute shortly following her passing.

She was a daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie, and most recently, a nana.

But now, following a lengthy investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Major Incident Team, a man has been charged with murder in connection with Michelle’s death.

Paul Hughes, 29, was yesterday (Tuesday 7 May) charged with murder, GMP has confirmed, and he has been remanded in a secure mental health hospital, where he remains under treatment.

He will next appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court on Thursday 6 June.

Commenting on the charging of Mr Hughes, Detective Inspector Danny Lee, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, took a moment to stress to the Greater Manchester public that Michelle’s death is a “very rare type of incident”.

DI Lee explained: “We understand this tragedy may have increased the community concerns in relation to knife crime, but we would like to stress this is a very rare type of incident. However, at the heart of this incident, a loved one has been torn away, and our thoughts remain with Michelle’s family, whom we continue to support with specialist officers.”

Following Mr Hughes’ charging, GMP has also reissued its public appeal for information, and is urging any witnesses to come forward.

Read more:

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 1353 of 02/06/2023, or information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

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