Pub punters flocking to the bars in Leeds today are being warned by police "the threat has not gone away".
West Yorkshire Police are bracing themselves for "Super Saturday" to begin, anticipating that as the pubs open and the drinks start flowing, so will the calls coming in.
A demonstration for Transgender Rights is planned tomorrow in Leeds.
The force will be carrying out extra patrols in the area to make sure that every single bar, restaurant and other businesses are following the strict social distancing rules.
Those bars found to be breaking the rules may be forcibly shut down.
Now, the police and Leeds City Council are urging the public to remember the threat of the virus has not gone away.
All pubs and restaurants that are reopening in the city centre have received a letter from the council outlining the rules.
A team of "council night marshals" will also be out on the streets for the first two weekends.
A spokesperson from the police said: "Throughout the lockdown period, we have continued to engage with the public and explain our approach, which has been received across our communities with significant support.
"As we head into the next phase in the relaxation of Government restrictions, we will again be relying on this relationship to ensure the safety of businesses and shoppers, particularly in our major cities.
"Though some rules have been relaxed, we urge the public to remember the threat has not gone away. Social distancing is still necessary, with risks increasing significantly at less than the two-metre distance. Please check and follow Government and public health advice.
"Of course, we have been working closely with our partners and across the commercial sector to ensure that as things change, this is achieved in the safest way possible.
"With this in mind, we will be deploying the appropriate level of patrols to match the increased numbers but this will essentially amount to business as usual.
"If and when issues do arise, however, we have all the necessary resources in place to manage and respond to any eventuality."
Parking charges in the city centre will also resume on Saturday.
Leader Councillor Judith Blake said: “We know many people are looking forward to venues reopening, but we would appeal to everyone to respect the rules to ensure venues can keep staff and customers safe.
"This is another important step in our city centre reopening and bringing its economy back to life."
