How has the 10pm curfew affected pubs and restaurants in Northampton town centre?

Pubs and restaurants in Northampton town centre have expressed frustrations about the government-imposed 10pm curfew but will continue to adhere to the new rule.

Hospitality settings are forced to close much earlier than usual, especially on the weekends, meaning a significant loss in takings.

The law has a knock-on effect for taxi companies who have a 10pm rush then nothing as well as walk-in orders at takeaways.

The Market Tavern manager Baiba Busmane told the Chronicle & Echo: "We've gotten used to it now but when it comes to weekends, we're a lot busier then, especially after 8/9pm.

"So closing at 10pm means we're losing a lot of money when we would usually stay open until 1/2am."

The manager at the Fish Street pub said they are sticking to all of the Covid-19 rules, even not allowing groups of more than six to book separate tables.

But when Ms Busmane heard about Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement last week that she would have to shut at 10pm, she was surprised.

"When they brought in the curfew I just thought about what's going to happen when all these people leave at the same time," she said.

"I didn't think it was going to be a good idea in the first place but let's hope they change it."

The change has meant The Market Tavern has been getting busy earlier, particularly at the weekend where it was full for most of the evening and late punters were turned away.

But they are far from profiting as they cannot use as many tables as before the pandemic because of social distancing while outdoor areas are less popular now due to the cold weather.

Plus Ms Busmane has had to take on more staff to handle table service so she is worried about the future.

"I think, like everything else, everyone is struggling at the moment, we're just hoping we can get past it together but some pubs may struggle more than others," she said.

"Bigger pubs may find it easier but we just want to get through ti and we're just hoping for everything to get back to normal."

Restaurants are also having to adapt to being made to close at 10pm, with demand being squeezed into smaller time frames and fewer covers available for owners.

Stewart Wright, who runs Nuovo Italian restaurant on Abington Street, urged customers to book further in advance to avoid disappointment.

"It's very strange, at least it's a clear goal for us and we know what we have got to do, we would prefer not to have to ask people to leave," he said.

"We are preparing them before the time but it's a shame as it's restaurant and I don't think it could hurt being able to finish a coffee or a glass of wine.

"But it is what it is, everyone's in the same boat and we're doing it - I'm not qualified enough to decide if it's a good idea or not but it is strange to get everyone out at the same time."