Hertfordshire's police force has urged people to "know your limits" when pubs reopen on Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Richard Liversidge, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Commander, warned that some people will "drink in excess" come the weekend and advised that customers and staff should "remain vigilant".

Pubs have been closed across England since the end of March when the coronavirus lockdown was brought into effect by the Government.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that pubs - along with bars, cafes and restaurants - can reopen on July 4 after being closed for months with strict new measures in place.

Ch Supt Liversidge says local teams have been working with licensed premises' ahead of the weekend to support the "safe reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants" as lockdown restrictions ease further.

He said: "Of course, we want people to have a good time and enjoy themselves, but we must all remember that coronavirus is still a serious risk to health and I urge everyone to continue to follow the Government guidance to mitigate the transmission of the virus, through social distancing, hygiene measures and following the instructions of staff at licensed premises.

"While the vast majority of people will drink responsibly, some will drink to excess and become vulnerable to harm or indeed cause harm to others. I’d ask licensees and customers to remain vigilant and work together to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

"Anti-social and criminal behaviour is not acceptable and Hertfordshire Constabulary is working to support the safe and crime-free reopening of pubs. Please, know your limits, plan your day and consider how you will get home safely."

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor also urged people to "stay safe" over the weekend as pubs reopen and to "consider others".

He said: “This has been a difficult time for many local businesses and so I’m pleased that pubs, bars and restaurants in Watford can now re-open. Our Environmental Health Team have been working incredibly hard with local businesses to prepare for this and I am very grateful for their hard work.

“Pubs and bars have taken tremendous steps to operate safely and we want to be as flexible as possible to help where we can.

“I would urge everyone in our town to continue to stay safe and consider others over the weekend. We are all looking forward to welcoming back our pubs, cafes and restaurants and need to do this in a safe way.”

He added that Watford Borough Council is looking to extend seating areas outside pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes "in a way that is safe".

"Where we can we will help to make this possible," Mr Taylor said.