SUSSEX Police are urging people to stick to coronavirus restrictions in Brighton ahead of a protest planned in the city today.
Supporters of campaign group Save Our Rights UK plan to gather at the Peace Statue by Hove Lawns at noon.
The group has previously held marches in the city in which members voiced their opposition to lockdown rules and other restrictions introduced by the government under the Coronavirus Act 2020.
A crowd containing hundreds of people made its way east along the seafront as part of a demonstration on November 7.
Sussex Police have issued a statement ahead of the protest set to take place later today.
A force spokeswoman said: "Protests are exempt under The Health Protection (Cornonavirus Restrictions) Regulations 2020 but only if certain criteria is met by the organiser.
"The legislation requires the organiser to have carried out a risk assessment and ensure all reasonable measures to guarantee those attending will limit the risk of the transmission of coronavirus.
"Police officers and PCSOs will continue to be out and about in communities to engage with members of the public, explain the new government regulations and encourage them to follow them."
The force warned that "enforcement could be taken" if this is not effective and people choose to flout the rules.
Chief Superintendent Jane Derrick added: “We still remain in a global pandemic and there are rules and regulations in place to protect our communities and help prevent the spread of the virus.
"People have the right to protest and this is a well-established and key part of our democracy.
"However coronavirus is a deadly disease and there are restrictions in place to prevent its spread and ensure our local business can remain open for trading.
"We're expecting Brighton to be busy with festive shoppers and are seeking to manage any disruption to residents, visitors and businesses.
"We know the vast majority of the public are acting appropriately however those who choose to flout or break the rules and put other’s lives at risk will face the risk of enforcement."
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