London mayor joins calls for 'immediate review' of 10pm curfew

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has joined calls for an "immediate review" of the government's 10pm curfew on hospitality businesses.

As well as calling for a review Khan has said that "emergency financial aid" must be provided to clubs, theatres and other venues.

He said: "There have been some real concerns over the last week that the current 10pm closing time for pubs, bars and restaurants may be a counter-productive measure in stopping the spread of the virus.

"The government should carry out an immediate review of the effectiveness of this measure. It is essential that our clubs, theatres and other venues get access to extra emergency financial aid as long as the restrictions remain in place."

Earlier this week Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said he had been told supermarkets were packed "to the rafters" as people picked up supplies before heading onto the streets or into private homes following the early closure.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he explained: "I think there needs to be an urgent review of the emerging evidence from police forces across the country."

Operators have said the measure has led to "massive reductions" in revenue.