A popular Leeds bar has announced that they it open its doors at an earlier time than usual to combat the government's new 10pm curfew.
On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that from Thursday evening all pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality venues in England must shut their doors by 10pm.
Prior to this announcement, Distrikt, an underground bar on Duncan Street in Leeds city centre, had recently stated that they would operate new opening times of 4pm to 2am on Wednesday to Friday and 2pm to 2am on Saturday.
After hearing Boris' announcement though, the venue has now confirmed that it will open earlier from Thursday with the "usual entertainment" to help the business stay afloat as it adjusts to the new curfew.
Distrikt Leeds' manager, Rosita Rogers, made the announcement in a series of Facebook posts.
She said: "What a load of rubbish it is, but law is law and we must comply.
We will be opening earlier - which means whatever you wanted to do at 10pm, you can do all day long, the usual entertainment will he provided.
"Please make sure you keep supporting your independents as this isn't going to help at all, it's only going to cause serious damage."
From Thursday, all hospitality and leisure venues in England will be forced by law to close between 10pm and 5am.
That includes pubs, restaurants, cinemas, bingo halls, kebab shops and takeaways - which will be able to make deliveries but not have customers in the shop.
Pubs will be forced to close at 10pm sharp - meaning they must call last orders at around 9.30pm.
All hospitality venues will also be forced to operate as table-service-only from Thursday.
Face mask rules will be toughened up. From Thursday, it will be a legal requirement to wear a face covering in taxis and private hire vehicles.
And from Monday, staff in hospitality venues and shops will be forced by law to wear a face covering. Customers in hospitality venues will also be forced to wear face coverings - unless they are seated at a table for food and drink.
Speaking on the new rules and restrictions, Boris Johnson said: "If we fail to act together now, we will not only place others at risk, but jeopardise our own futures with the more drastic action we would inevitably be forced to take."
Elsewhere, The New Headingley Club, have now also amended their opening hours. The bar will open its doors from 2pm on weekdays and 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.
