PEOPLE are being urged to carry following social distancing rules as pubs doors will be thrown open for the second weekend since the lockdown eased.

Last Saturday saw boozers reopen for business with not many significant police incidents happening in Greater Manchester.

Officers will be out this weekend to encourage people to adhere to guidelines.

Greater Manchester Police Superintendent Chris Hill, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who, last weekend, visited the re-opened businesses and venues within the licensing industry responsibly and listened to the guidelines.

“As we approach another weekend, one that promises slightly sunnier weather, I want to remind the public of the importance of continuing to social distance and respect others – the guidelines and restrictions still in place are paramount to preventing a second spike and not undoing the hard work done so far by everyone to minimise the spread of the virus.

"If you are going out this weekend, remember look after yourself by staying within your group, drinking responsibly and planning how you are getting home.”

Night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord, praised hospitality business owners for their response to reopening last weekend.

He said: “The hospitality sector has been desperate to reopen as soon as possible, and across Greater Manchester venues came back to life last weekend in an overwhelmingly safe and responsible manner.

"I want to thank all those publicans, restauranteurs, café owners and others for adhering to the industry guidelines regarding social distancing and the safe reopening of sites – it is only by progressing in this orderly and organised way that we will see the sector getting back on its feet.

“This weekend will likely see even more locations opening their doors; hospitality was always going to come out of its enforced hibernation in a staggered way.

"I also expect the industry to be under more pressure this weekend – a combination of better forecasted weather and great consumer confidence means we can safely anticipate more customers and therefore more pressures to maintain those safe standards.

“I want to appeal to the sector to keep its standards high.

"To the public, please stay local and boost nearby businesses, and please continue to respect the safety measures that are in place.

"They exist not just to protect you the customer but also staff, who are working under pressure in challenging circumstances.

"Help them to help you have a great night out and stay safe.”