Police find 30 people flouting social distancing rules in Preston pub lock-in

Officers from the Lancashire police licensing department went to the Moor Park pub on Garstang Road this afternoon after receiving reports of the event.

About 30 people were found drinking in the back bar.

A police spokesman, Sgt Horton, said: "Social distancing was not being observed by anybody in there. They're all heading home with no idea what they may or may not have picked up for the sake of a pint.

"They all left quietly on request and the premises supervisor was issued with a prohibition notice under the coronavirus regulations. We will be asking Preston City Council to review their licence and there is a real possibility that the pub will lose its licence as a result of this.

"It may seem tempting to join in when you hear that a pub is open but the truth is, no pubs should be open yet. There are some government indications that some pubs and bars may open on July 4th. Some pubs are working as off licences and that is fine but no pubs or bars should be 'open as usual' yet."