Greater Manchester Police were forced to take drastic action after a business in Bolton organised a massive sale event, drawing crowds of hundreds in direct defiance of the government's strict lockdown measures.
The illicit event, brazenly advertised as a 'lockdown sale', prompted a swift police response following reports of a complete absence of social distancing and widespread non-compliance with mask mandates.
A Blatant Disregard for Public Safety
Officers arriving at the scene on Saturday were met with a chaotic scene. The premises were packed with shoppers, creating an environment where the highly transmissible COVID-19 variant could easily spread. The business owner was issued a prohibition notice, legally forcing the immediate closure of the operation.
This incident occurred at a critical time when Bolton was already grappling with one of the highest infection rates in the country, making the illegal gathering an even more severe threat to public health.
Police Condemn 'Irresponsible' Actions
Superintendent Rick Jackson of Greater Manchester Police did not mince words in his condemnation of the event. He emphasised that such irresponsible behaviour not only endangered the lives of attendees but also placed an additional, entirely avoidable, strain on the local NHS and emergency services.
"The rules are in place for a reason – to save lives and protect the NHS," stated Supt. Jackson. "To so flagrantly ignore them is unacceptable. We will not hesitate to use the powers available to us to take immediate action against those putting our communities at risk."
Zero Tolerance for Lockdown Breaches
This shutdown serves as a stark warning to other businesses considering flouting the rules. Authorities have made it clear they will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards those who jeopardise the national effort to control the virus and delay the roadmap out of restrictions for everyone.
