HUNDREDS of boozers were seen partying in the streets as they spilled out pubs and packed Tubes after police enforced the new 10pm curfew.
Footage from Oxford Circus in central London last night showed punters swelling into the streets as pubs and bars all shut at once.
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A BBC reporter described the scenes as “an impromptu party” showing how the capital is “as busy as before lockdown”.
Charlie Haynes’ video showed crowds shouting and drinking – while appearing to ignore social distancing guidelines.
Piers Morgan branded the scenes a “farce”.
Other pictures showed people filling escalators and packing into the Tube shoulder-to-shoulder as they head home early due to the new coronavirus law.
The shocking scenes came the same day Londoners were warned the capital had officially joined the government’s coronavirus watchlist.
The London Mayor yesterday said the city is at a “tipping point” after a spike in cases.
Sadiq Khan, who met with the PM earlier this week, told the Guardian: “One of the things that I said to the prime minister is: I think we should be following what’s happening around the country and stopping social mixing of households, and I say that with a heavy heart.”
Across the UK, hundreds of revellers were seen spilling into the streets after the 10pm curfew.
Pals were seen leaving bars and pubs in Birmingham.
In Portsmouth, groups of friends were seen in the streets speaking with police after 10pm.
More severe restrictions will came into force on Thursday night after the PM warned “your cough could be someone else’s death knell”.
In a national broadcast this week, Mr Johnson asked the country to pull together to defeat the virus.
Under the new measures, all restaurants and pubs will have to close at 10pm and face masks will have to be worn in more places.
The PM urged Brits to show “discipline, resolve, and the spirit of togetherness” to get Britain through the “difficult” winter months to come – or face a new national lockdown.
He recently said another national shutdown would be the ‘last thing’ he wants.
But surging virus cases have led to tougher restrictions.
BORIS Johnson revealed new rules for England on Monday, including:
1. Office workers who can work from home are being asked to do so.
2. All pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for takeaways.
3. All hospitality venues must close at 10pm.
4. More people must wear face coverings – staff working in retail; all users of taxis and private hire vehicles; and staff and customers in indoor hospitality venues – except when seated at tables to eat or drink.
5. In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, government’s Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations.
6. From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions.
7. The rule of six is being extended to all adult indoor team sports.
8. Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will not be able to reopen from 1 October.
9. Stronger penalties for failing to adhere to government restrictions: a fine of up to £10,000 for businesses that break the rules and the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.
