IN AN effort to try to reduce the rate of Covid-19 infections following a recent spike in cases, the government placed a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants across England last week (which came into effect on Thursday, September 24).

READ MORE: Berkshire reacts to Boris Johnson's Covid-19 curfew rule

After almost a week of the new restrictions though, many have said that the resulting crowds after 10pm have actually made streets busier than usual.

The Metro reported last week that 'crowds were seen flocking into London's streets and Underground' on Thursday night.

Closer to home, several residents from Reading expressed their confusion and doubt about how effective the curfew would be.

Lyn Chandler said: "The 10pm lockdown would only make the people drink quickly", and this view was echoed by Edwina Burgess, who said "can't see how it's supposed to help just closing early."

The new rules mean that pubs, bars and restaurants will be able to offer a table service only, and have to close by 10pm.

READ MORE: New mobile coronavirus testing van coming to Reading from this week

Reading's many bars and pubs are usually bustling during the weekend, and last week's was not thought to be an exception.