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​Police Reinforce Alcohol Ban In Nottingham After Huge Fight Breaks Out In Park

​Police Reinforce Alcohol Ban In Nottingham After Huge Fight Breaks Out In Park

Large crowds were seen at the Arboretum in Nottingham city centre yesterday, where video footage showed a large brawl taking place

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Nottingham City Council has increased police presence to reinforce the city's ban on booze in public places, after a fight broke out at a park on Monday (29 March) as people flocked outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Large crowds were seen at the Arboretum in Nottingham city centre on Monday, where video footage showed a large brawl taking place.

According to reports, large piles of rubbish, including empty beer cans and bottles, were also left behind.

Nottingham City Council has reminded people that drinking alcohol in public places is banned in Nottingham, with Council leader David Mellen saying: "We have had discussions with senior police officers and there will be increased presence in our parks.

"Drinking alcohol in public spaces is not permitted in Nottingham and will be seized on entry to our parks today.

Ashley Kirk

"It's also totally unacceptable for people to litter our parks in this way.

"Parks have been a lifeline for many during the pandemic and our staff have worked tirelessly to keep them open, clean and safe."

On Monday, rules changed to allow up to six people from different households, or two households, to meet up outside.

Drinking alcohol in Nottingham was already banned under a public spaces protection order, but a dispersal order was put into place on Monday to break up large crowds.

After many people flocked to the Arboretum on Monday, officers were seen stopping people at the gates the following day, checking for alcohol.

Ashley Kirk

Assistant chief constable Steve Cooper, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "While we can of course understand people's desire to want to be out in the sun and enjoying these mild temperatures we are currently experiencing, the government and our health colleagues remain extremely cautious and advise that people continue to minimise social contact.

"We would like to remind people that we are still only partly out of lockdown measures.

"We are aware of a number of residents choosing to be out in the Arboretum.

"The behaviour [on Monday] was unacceptable and we are disappointed people decided to behave in this selfish way.

"That is why we have now taken the decision to put a dispersal order in place.

"It is up to us all to keep to the measures so we can continue on the roadmap out of lockdown, by keeping the virus at bay."

Featured Image Credit: Ashley Kirk

Topics: UK News, News