At a basic human level, there is something of a difference in people’s propensity to report a stranger not wearing a mask or a business not enforcing social distancing guidelines on the one hand, and reporting a neighbour for breaking the rules, on the other.


Thus, 44% of us would report a bar or restaurant for failing to enforce regulations on social distancing, number of people in a party or closing times, while 46% would not do so. This willingness to take action against errant bars or restaurants is highest in urban areas and cities, where population densities are highest, and the risk of Covid infection therefore greatest.

Read more of the Sunday Times / Behaviour & Attitudes Poll for October here.