Hospitality businesses in Wales to be able to open outdoor spaces from 13 July

The hospitality sector in Wales will be able to reopen outdoor spaces from 13 July, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall.

The Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan will set out the phased reopening plan for bars, cafés, pubs and restaurants at the daily press conference later today.

It follows a rapid review of the hospitality sector in Wales to look at how the industry can safely be reopened.

The first phase will see the reopening of outdoor spaces owned by business, subject to existing licences – if conditions continue to be favourable and subject to the outcome of next week’s review of the regulations.

The reopening of indoor services will be considered later, depending on the success of outdoor opening, the ongoing coronavirus situation in Wales and other measures businesses put in place to reduce the risk of transmission, such as pre-booking, table service only and the use of apps.

Speaking to The Caterer earlier this week, Welsh operators urged the government to be clearer on timelines and guidance. Tommy Heaney of Heaneys in Pontcanna said a date would give his business “something to work towards”, while Si Toft who runs the Dining Room in Abersoch said he needed to know what the guidelines for reopening will be “so I know what I'm aiming for”.

Two weeks ago, first minister Mark Drakeford said self-contained accommodation, including hotels and B&Bs, could start taking bookings from the week beginning 13 July "at their own risk".

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