Eager St Patrick's Day revellers are paying no mind to global coronavirus fears, choosing to take the streets of Liverpool by storm instead of practising social distancing.
Boris Johnson yesterday advised Brits to put down their pint glasses and avoid pubs, clubs and theatres to stop the spread of the disease.
But the Prime Minister’s advice was ignored by hundreds of St Patrick's Day partygoers who were snapped at Concert Square in Liverpool in their droves.
The festivities looked to be in full swing as hundreds were pictured enjoying a pint of Guinness while wearing a Leprechaun Irish Top Hat.
One woman can even be seen dressed in green, happily dancing and clapping in the street, as partygoers watched on.
While other jolly drinkers danced in their seats and laughed over a drink in close proximity with each other.
Celebrations for St Patrick’s Day were expected to be halted across the UK as government’s implement strict measures to curb the spread.
St Patrick's Day is an Irish cultural and religious celebration for the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
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Unfortunately, two days ago Republic of Ireland’s Government ordered all pubs to close their doors.
In a statement released yesterday, the government called on pubs and bars to shut from midnight adding that the venues would put "other peoples’ health at risk".
Officials said: "For the same reason, the Government is also calling on all members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues which would put other peoples’ health at risk.
“The Government, having consulted with the Chief Medical Officer, believes that this is an essential public health measure given the reports of reckless behaviour by some members of the public in certain pubs last night.
“While the Government acknowledges that the majority of the public and pub owners are behaving responsibly, it believes it is important that all pubs are closed in advance of St Patricks’ Day.”
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The strong approach is different for bars and pubs in the UK, who have only been advised to close, but not forced to.
Leaders in the UK’s pub industry have written to Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling on his Government to take urgent action to prevent mass job losses and permanent pub closures.
The letter calls for Government to cancel all business rates payments for six months as well as all tax payments including PAYE, VAT and corporation tax for pubs and hospitality businesses.
It also calls for the cancellation of beer duty payments for six months, and the postponement of the planned national minimum and living wage increases due in April.
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