By George Day • Published: 18 Mar 2020 • 11:55
People across Britain ignored all advice to avoid pubs and gathering as coronavirus spreads, by partying all night on St Patrick’s Day.
Revellers were spotted drinking and dancing at St Patrick’s Day events in London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton on Tuesday night despite warnings to stay indoors and isolate to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Pubs have had no choice but to stay open after the prime minister ‘advised’ people to stay away but stopped short of enforcing a ban that owners said would allow them to claim insurance.
Yesterday, chancellor Rishi Sunak promised businesses that they will be provided with billions of pounds to bail them out during the coronavirus pandemic – but many venues continued to open doors to customers flouting social distancing rules.
Despite assurances from the chancellor, hospitality firms have warned British pubs will go under in a matter of weeks without more help.
The British Beer and Pub Association said Mr Sunak’s announcements did not go far enough.
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