West Yorkshire Mayoral candidate calls for "urgent" review of 10pm curfew
Cllr Andrew Cooper, of the Green Party, has labelled the curfew "nonsensical".
A Green councillor in Kirklees has called for the Government’s “nonsensical” 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants to be reviewed “urgently”.
Andrew Cooper, the Green Party’s candidate for West Yorkshire Mayor, wants all council leaders in West Yorkshire to make a joint statement to Government calling for the 10pm rule to be lifted
Clr Cooper, who represents Newsome ward and leads the Green group on Kirklees Council, was echoing comments made by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last month.
Mr Burnham said the 10pm curfew, which came into force in England and Wales on September 24, was “doing more harm than good” and that it had created an “incentive” for people to gather in homes and streets.
Clr Cooper said he was surprised by the stance of local authorities in West Yorkshire given the passage of 12 days since the rule was imposed.
He said: “The Government has provided no scientific evidence that shutting eating and drinking establishments has any positive effect on controlling Covid-19.
“In fact this measure almost certainly has a negative effect with customers all spilling out onto the streets at the same time, queuing for taxis and public transport.
“Closing at the usual licensing hours would allow for a staggered and more orderly departure of customers.”
He added: “We have all seen the chaos on the streets caused by this Government rule. It is counterproductive and will only make matters worse.
“I agree with Andy Burnham that these rules need to be reviewed urgently and I am calling on all West Yorkshire council leaders to make a joint statement to Government calling for the 10pm rule to be lifted.
“This is not only in the interests of public health but also our hard-pressed hospitality sector.
“We need to show leadership to Government on this issue and not simply carry out Government’s bidding and implement nonsensical rules.”
Kirklees Council was approached to comment.