Health probe launched into 10pm coronavirus curfew after crowds fill West End streets

An investigation into the impact of the 10pm curfew has been ordered by the Tory leader of Westminster council after two weekends when huge crowds of diners and drinkers gathered on West End streets after the deadline.

Rachael Robathan said she has asked officers to look at how the curfew is working and whether it represents a threat to the health of people thrown out of pubs and restaurants at the same time.

She told the Standard: “I have concerns about the effects of groups of people emerging onto our streets at the same time and I have asked council officers to gather evidence on how the curfew is operating. We need to work with central Government to ensure restaurants and bars can earn a living while doing all to keep people safe.”

The move comes ahead of an expected Commons vote on the curfew tomorrow night when dozens of Conservative MPs are likely to vote against the measure, which was introduced by Boris Johnson last month to help slow down the “second wave” of the pandemic.