Hospitality trade set to welcome you back – but please stay care

A relaxation of Welsh Government pandemic restrictions means that – from Monday (note: Apr 26) – hospitality businesses can serve customers outdoors.

However, with the deadly coronavirus still present, things won’t be back to normal.

Swansea Council head of planning and city regeneration Phil Holmes said: “Acting irresponsibly or not following the rules could lead to virus rates rising again – so please be responsible and stay safe.”

On Monday there will still be big differences to pre-pandemic. They include:

• Not all hospitality venues are open in and around Swansea
• Visitors should check with the venue and pre-book before setting out if possible.
• Eating and drinking is only allowed outside at tables – no groups
• 2m social distancing applies
• Premises are being asked to take customer contact details to help with the Welsh Government Test, Trace, Protect process
• Customers are being asked to plan ahead – including checking opening times, pre-booking travel and venues wherever possible, and knowing in advance the taxi ranks.

The council – including its licensing, public health and city centre teams, Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), South Wales Police, businesses and others are working together on the phased re-opening of the hospitality sector in line with government guidelines.

BID Chief Executive Russell Greenslade said: “BID area businesses have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the careful re-opening of the city centre. This is a crucial chapter and it is important that we all play our part to ensure things run smoothly.”