The 10pm pub curfew will be ‘reviewed in November’, says Sacha Lord
Whilst there has been no official road map released considering when Greater Manchester might exit Tier 3, Lord has said the government will perform a review of the 10pm pub curfew next month.
The government will conduct a review of the 10pm curfew imposed on pubs and bars next month, according to Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser.
Current laws dictate that all venues in the hospitality sector must shut their doors no later than 10pm – remaining open only for takeaway service.
But Sacha Lord – an avid supporter of the #CancelTheCurfew movement – along with fellow industry members, has been campaigning for the government to reconsider the ruling since it came into effect on September 24.
Lord has even launched legal action against the government for closing down large portions of the local sector in line with Tier 3 regulations, and the Parklife founder filed a pre-action letter last week, claiming there was no scientific justification to limit the operating hours of pubs and bars.
Whilst there has been no official road map released discussing when Greater Manchester might exit Tier 3, Lord has said the government will perform a review of the 10pm pub curfew as early as November.
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In November, the Government are reviewing the UK 10pm curfew.
It doesn't work for the public or operators.
Overloaded transport, crowded takeaways, supermarkets etc.
It's doing far more harm than good.
Operators are running safe and secure COVID19 venues.
Writing on Twitter, Lord stated: “In November, the Government are reviewing the UK 10pm curfew.
“It doesn’t work for the public or operators. Overloaded transport, crowded takeaways, supermarkets etc.
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“It’s doing far more harm than good.
“Operators are running safe and secure COVID19 venues.
“Cancel the Curfew.”
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After launching his judicial review this month, Lord received a response from the government which he called insufficient”, and pledged to take further legal action.
“Our pubs should not be shut without scientific evidence,” he stated.
“Legal proceedings will now commence. The fight goes on.”
UPDATE: We’ve had a formal response from Government and we consider it insufficient. Ours pubs should not be shut without scientific evidence. Legal proceedings will now commence. The fight goes on. pic.twitter.com/sSI1hXxOVd
Lord also signed to the OneGM campaign this week – a group aiming to provide help which “goes beyond” the government’s support.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and fellow local leaders dedicated a fortnight to battling against the region’s move to Tier 3 without adequate financial backing.
At the end of a drawn-out affair, Greater Manchester was bundled into the ‘very high’ risk category without the desired £95 million package, and OneGM will serve to fill the void – offering supplemental local support to prevent more companies capsizing during the second wave.
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
28th October 2020 
