Welsh hospitality begins to reopen following 'fire-break'

Under new regulations, up to four people from different households will be able to in indoor hospitality settings, although larger groups of people who all live in the same house will be allowed to eat and drink out together providing they can show they are from the same dwelling.

A 10pm ban on alcohol sales, established prior to the lockdown, remains in place.

Laying out the new rules last week, First Minister Mark Drakeford said that while groups of up to four people from different households had permission to mix, it was not something the Government encouraged.

"It is the most challenging change from a public health perspective and will be kept under continuous review," he said.

"Its success depends on the actions of the sector and each of us to use this permission responsibly and sparingly."

Certain organised activities for groups of up to 15 people indoors, and 30 people outdoors, will also be allowed under the new regulations, providing risk assessments and all reasonable measures taken to minimise the risk of contracting or spreading Coronavirus.

However, these activities will not be able to involve the sale or consumption of alcohol.

Prior to the 'fire-break', much of Wales was under people local lockdown with people only able to meet in indoor settings with other members of their own household.

Alistair Darby, CEO of Wales’ largest brewer S.A. Brain, said last week that he welcomed the relaxation of the single household rule, but raised concerns about the 'verified identification' of customers.

He said it was not clear what it meant as there are no ID cards and the scheme could result in 'frustration and irritation' towards staff.

Darby added that the company supported test and trace, but would be worried that verification could lead to conflict between staff and customers.