Students in Nottingham made the most of their final night of freedom by hitting the bars in fancy dress before Tier 3 restrictions came into force.
Revellers gathered in large groups and took to the streets on Thursday before the city moved into the ‘very high’ bracket at 12.01am on Friday.
New rules ban buying alcohol from shops after 9pm and the carefree students were eager to take advantage of the previously relaxed measures.
‘Say Covid!’ Students pose for a photo as they headed out in Nottingham in fancy dress on Thursday night to make the most of their final night of freedom before Tier 3 restrictions are enforced
A group of young men gathered to chant next to police cars, with officers watching on as the night of revelry unfolded before the new rules kick in
A police officer attempts to move on a crowd of maskless revellers who have gathered in the street, many in Halloween costumes
Many students and youngsters from the area headed out in unusual costumes, including one dressed in a pink bear onesie, and police officers with stockings
There were scenes of chaos outside the clubs and bars, with dozens gathering in close proximity to each other after 10pm, with few wearing masks
Fallen angel: An eagle-eyed shopper wearing a halo picked up a box of alcopops and was escorted home by her male friend before new restrictions are enforced in Nottingham
On patrol: A group of young women dressed up as police officers, complete with handcuffs, stockings and police caps, made the most of the night before Nottingham moves into Tier 3
In the market square in Nottingham city centre on Thursday evening, youngsters were seen posing for photographs dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me and chanting near police vehicles.
Nottinghamshire Police had issued a warning earlier on Thursday that they would have ‘no hesitation’ in fining people deliberately flouting the rules.
Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: ‘The aim of the measures is to save lives and lessen the burden on the NHS – which is becoming increasingly stretched as we approach the time of annual winter pressures in hospitals. Positive action now will save lives.
‘The people of Nottinghamshire have been incredibly supportive and patient with the national and local measures that have impacted on all our lives this year.
A group of students dressed up in Despicable Me minion outfits, while others headed out dressed in angel and devil costumes
A police officer with a dog attempts to control the wild scenes as hundreds of young revellers hit the town and gathered while they could
Nottinghamshire Police had issued a warning earlier on Thursday that they would have ‘no hesitation’ in fining people deliberately flouting the rules
New rules ban buying alcohol from shops after 9pm and the carefree students were eager to take advantage of the previously relaxed measures
Revellers gathered in large groups and took to the streets on Thursday before the city moved into the ‘very high’ bracket at 12.01am on Friday
‘Sadly there has been a minority of people who think the legislation doesn’t apply to them and we have been forced to take action, and in some cases hand out fines.’
‘In the last week we have given £10,000 fines to four people who organised parties with more than 30 people present as well as numerous £200 fines to people who wantonly broke the law.
‘The new Tier 3 restrictions will mean greater limits on socialising across Nottinghamshire but it is important people continue to follow the rules.
‘We will have no hesitation in fining people who flout the legislation with no regard for the impact their actions have on families and frontline key workers.’
Many were seen flouting the rule of six as they congregated in large groups in close proximity to each other, with police unable to control them
In the market square in Nottingham city centre on Thursday evening, youngsters were seen posing for photographs dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me
Spreading peace and love (and hopefully not Covid!): Many took the opportunity to celebrate Halloween while they were still able to head out with friends
It’s-a-Tier-3, Mario! The city looked far from a pandemic hotspot as many hugged each other on the streets and ignored social distancing
A pair of students tucked into McDonald’s after partying away their final night before harsh new measures are implemented to curb infection rates
Police watched the wild scenes unfolding but were unable to control the huge numbers gathering together on the city streets
Police had to disperse a large number of revellers as they danced and sung in the streets after the 10pm curfew
Devil-may-care attitude: Police have handed a number of £10,000 fines out in recent weeks at both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University
Despite the warnings, many young people took to the streets on Thursday evening ahead of the Tier 3 restrictions, with some seemingly looking to celebrate Halloween two days early.
A few police vehicles were present in the city centre and an ambulance was also nearby.
At a media briefing on Thursday, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts told reporters the force had asked for the alcohol ban to be implemented to stop students partying.
Police have handed a number of £10,000 fines out in recent weeks, as both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University said a deliberate flouting of coronavirus restrictions could result in exclusion.
Commenting on the alcohol ban, ACC Meynell said: ‘This is a welcome move following a number of gatherings and parties that our officers have had to disperse in recent weeks, in some cases leading to £10,000 fines for the organisers.
Despite the warnings, many young people took to the streets on Thursday evening ahead of the Tier 3 restrictions, with some seemingly looking to celebrate Halloween two days early
At a media briefing on Thursday, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts told reporters the force had asked for the alcohol ban to be implemented to stop students partying
There were scenes of chaos and hedonism on the streets as dozens chanted together and embraced each other, despite social distancing guidelines
Thursday could be the last night that many students are able to see large groups of their friends together for some time
Power Danger: Many seemed unconcerned by the rising infection rates in Nottingham as the second wave continues to accelerate through Europe
From Friday people in Nottinghamshire are not permitted to mix indoors or outdoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble
At the media briefing, Councillor Cutts said ‘young people don’t think they are ever going to catch anything’ when asked why the alcohol ban had been put in place
‘It is completely unacceptable to have parties when there is a global pandemic that is costing lives.
‘The legislation is clear that from tomorrow people in Nottinghamshire are not permitted to mix indoors or outdoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble, except in certain places like parks and play areas. It is really important that people respect and abide by this, and we know from experience that most people will.’
At the media briefing, Councillor Cutts said ‘young people don’t think they are ever going to catch anything’ when asked why the alcohol ban had been put in place.
She told reporters: ‘What we feared might happen, and what the police feared might happen is people would go to the pub, they’d have a meal and they’d have some drinks and come out and go straight to the off-licence and buy a bottle and go and continue their partying elsewhere.
‘We’re trying to stop that. That’s something which has been blighting a bit of Nottinghamshire… younger people don’t ever think they are going to catch anything.
‘So that’s where that came from and we have supported them on that.’