Why it's only right that lockdown laws are properly enforced

There were concerns in some quarters that opening Derbyshire’s pubs would lead to carnage in our town centres and a surge in coronavirus cases.

But the police have broadly welcomed the attitude and sensible response of those who went out for a drink when bars opened their doors again.

Chief Inspector Becky Webster, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said this week: “The reopening of pubs across the county has, by and large, been a success.

“The majority of pub-goers behaved responsibly, practiced proper social distancing and enjoyed a night out, recognising that this was the new norm."

Derbyshire police arrested 149 people on the first weekend after lockdown rules were eased, compared to 145 for the corresponding period last year.

Of course there were idiots.

There are always idiots.

But considering the potential stampede you’d imagine after pubs re-opened after three months, it was great to see common sense prevail.

As I’ve mentioned in this column before, lockdown has been really tough on local landlords and landladies.

The lack of income has put many pub bosses in a very tricky situation.

Which is why it’s even more galling to discover some have tried to cheat the system.

The Royal Volunteer, on Market Street, Clay Cross, was stripped of its licence by North East Derbyshire District Council’s licensing sub-committee, after hearing that the bar had continued to open – despite the Government ’s lockdown rules.

Councillor Heather Liggett, chair of the licensing committee, said: “We realise times are hard at the moment for those within the hospitality industry, but [the landlord] has continually ignored the legislation and the conditions of his premises licence and in doing so put his own profits before the health and welfare of his customers and the residents of North East Derbyshire."

Lockdown has been tough on us all , but the rules are there for a very simple reason – to keep us safe. For the sake of all those who have made sacrifices to obey them, it’s only right they are enforced.