Stay home this New Year’s Eve – or you run the risk of a fine or worse, say North Yorkshire Police

Police are urging people to stay home this New Year’s Eve after York and North Yorkshire were put into Tier 3.

Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham, silver lead for North Yorkshire Police’s Covid response, says those who ignore the rules “risk picking up a £200 fine and even worse, the virus itself”.

She urged people to ensure any celebrations they had planned are in line with the Tier 3 rules.

“As under previous restrictions, under Tier 3 households should not be meeting and mixing indoors.

“Where people were previously able to meet outside up to a maximum of six, under Tier 3 this is now only possible in certain public locations and people can no longer meet outdoors in private gardens.

“There will also be changes for our hospitality sector with pubs, bars and restaurants either closing their doors or moving to takeaway services only.

“People will still able to travel for work, education, medical or caring reasons, but we all really should be limiting our non-essential travel and staying as close to home as we can.”

Officers on patrol

Traditionally, revellers gather at York Minster as the midnight bells chime in the New Year. But the Minster authorities have already announced there will be no midnight peal tomorrow – to discourage public gatherings.

Ch Insp Bloxham said the rules were intended to protect vulnerable people – and the police would take enforcement action when necessary.

“Police will continue to follow our now well-established 4Es approach of engaging with the public, explaining the regulations, encouraging adherence and resorting to enforcement where necessary and proportionate.

“Officers will be patrolling and our resources will be targeted towards those who break the rules and put others at risk.

“To those who continue to ignore the regulations, I hope that today’s announcement acts as a wakeup call for you.

“If you do choose to disregard the rules, not only will this situation continue and we run the risk of even tighter restrictions, but you also risk picking up a £200 fine and even worse, the virus itself.”