Derbyshire Police vows to enforce lockdown laws as it reveals some pubs are flouting closure orders

In a statement, the force reminded residents of the four reasons when they are permitted to leave their homes – shopping for basic necessities, one form of exercise, medical appointments and travelling to and from work when ‘absolutely necessary’.

The force warned that people should not meet friends or family members they do not live with.

The statement reads: “Further measures have been put in place across the country to limit the movement of people, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Officers will disperse groups of more than two people who do not live in the same household, but we would anticipate that the vast majority of people will follow these new directions.

“These are unprecedented steps for our county, region and country and we would urge everyone to help protect themselves, their families and the whole nation, by following the direction of the Prime Minister.”

Derbyshire Police said that last weekend the force received a number of reports of pubs flouting closure orders.

It said: “Over the weekend we’ve received a large number of reports alerting us to the fact that some pubs have still opened their doors to serve customers.

“Please be rest assured that we are looking into these reports, along with our Trading Standards, Environmental Health and local authority colleagues.

“We would also like to make people aware that some pubs are still able to serve customers on a strict takeaway basis only – meaning people can still be served alcohol in carry out containers. Those pubs must have ‘off-sales’ included in the terms of their license.

“It is now against government restrictions for any pub, bar, club, restaurant or similar to open their doors for people to stay on the premises.

“We have dedicated licensing teams covering the entire county.

“Any licensee who fails to comply with the government regulations and the terms of their license may be handed prohibition notices and potentially unlimited fines. They may also face the loss of their alcohol license.”