“Predicted a busy night and confirmed what we knew, alcohol and social distance are not a good combination,” tweeted John Apter, national president of the Police Alliance, an association of police officers in England and Wales.

Apter, who was on duty in the southern English city of Southampton, said he and colleagues faced “happy drunks, rabid drunks, fights” and antisocial behavior. “What was crystal clear was that drunk people can’t / won’t distance themselves socially,” he said.

In a Twitter post, London Metropolitan Police called on people to “reopen like buds,” be responsible, be confident and follow the social distances and other guidelines that have been set “.

But pictures taken Saturday night in London’s central Soho district, known for its pubs and bars, showed crowded streets.

Five pubs in Nottinghamshire, in the English region of the East Midlands, decided to close early after antisocial behavior, police said, and officers made four arrests after reports of a broken window and a minor attack.

However, Inspector Craig Berry thanked “the majority of the public who acted responsibly all Saturday”.

Devon and Cornwall police, in the south-west of England, said they received more than 1,000 calls from members on Saturday, mostly related to a “drinking-related disorder”.

And in Essex, in the south-east of England, one officer tweeted that he said police had made four arrests.

British Health Minister Matt Hancock told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge that he was generally pleased with how Saturday went.

“According to what I’ve seen, although there are some pictures to the contrary, very, very people have acted responsibly and this balanced message is so important. People should definitely enjoy the summer,” he said on Sunday.

“You’ve seen from Leicester and other places that aren’t denied taking drastic measures if necessary to control the virus. But the overall plan has always been through abolishing the prison system to try to repeal national measures – but be absolutely crystal clear to catch up. to deal with local outbursts when we see them. “