Over 5,000 illegal parties are expected to place over the New Year weekend, according to estimates by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA).
New Year’s Eve has traditionally been a popular event among party-goers, attracting huge crowds of people to clubs and bars to celebrate.
The NTIA is concerned that if there is a continued lack of planning by the government, there is a risk that many of those who would have otherwise gone out to celebrate, will chose to host and attend illegal house parties instead.
The evidence is based on the past three months’ data, including the Bank Holiday period, which culminated in many illegal parties and events taking place across the country.
Industry leaders are calling on the government to consider the impact on policing and emergency services during this period, and many have warned that services will become overwhelmed.
The ongoing restrictions have created an increasing level of frustration among people who have been starved of social interaction for a prolonged period of time, which is impacting their mental health and well-being.
Desperate for a release, officials fear many will likely turn to illegal parties to fill the void.
This unprecedented situation could create a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections across the UK in January 2021.
Michael Kill, CEO of the NTIA, said: “There is a growing concern that New Year’s Eve is going to culminate in social unrest.
“We could see a substantial number of illegal parties and mass gatherings following the closure of businesses at 11pm, with a real risk of overwhelming the police and emergency services.
“The Government needs to consider ways in which to manage this grave situation.
“People will want to celebrate the end of 2020 in their own way, ignoring the issue will not resolve what will be a significant car crash in every sense of the term.”
Sacha Lord, NTIA adviser for Greater Manchester, reiterated this view: “The closure of hospitality venues in Tier 3, combined with the 11pm curfew elsewhere, only serves to encourage house parties and outdoor gatherings.
“It’s inevitable we will see an increase of these on New Year’s Eve.
“I urge all those considering hosting or attending a gathering to think about those around them who may be vulnerable to Covid-19, and to put their health and safety first.”
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, stated yesterday keeping Manchester city centre’s hospitality industry locked down could backfire if people instead gather in homes and spread the virus.
Photo by Quentin Grignet on Unsplash
