THE long awaited re-opening of indoor hospitality has been announced by Welsh Government and has been welcomed by customers and businesses across the board in Wrexham.

Safeguards continue to be in place for people to come and safely enjoy their local pub, cafe or restaurant as the nation remains well aware that COVID-19 hasn’t gone away just yet.

Wrexham Council confirms that if dining or drinking out from Monday, you will be expected to provide contact details so you can be contacted by Test, Trace and Protect if there are any positive cases at an establishment you have visited.

There will also be a limit on the numbers who can meet together.

A council spokesman said: “It’s been agreed that up to six people can meet together indoors, the same as outdoors and business owners will be carefully managing this to ensure social distancing between tables.”

Venues are asking you to book before you go if expecting to dine or drink inside and to pay attention to any time limits establishments may put in force - such as a 2-hour maximum stays.

The spokesman added that it’s important for the public to help ensure business can ‘safely serve the maximum number of customers’.

They added that only seated customers will be served and there will be table service only – like outdoor hospitality is – to avoid any queueing at bars.

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “This is very good news for lots of businesses across Wrexham who have had to endure weeks and months of no customers in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

“They now deserve our support but we need to remember that in order to remain open everyone will have to be mindful of the safeguards that are in place and make sure we do everything we can to work together in the coming weeks.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, added: “The situation in Wrexham has improved and positive cases, thankfully, remain low. TTP remains in place for our protection as does the many safeguards we have become used to such as wearing face coverings, avoiding crowded areas and paying attention to our hand hygiene.

“As we look forward to a brighter future please support local businesses as they are supporting us to remain safe by putting in place measures in line with Government regulations.”

Licensing and Enforcement Officers will be working with North Wales Police to monitor the re-opening and will be available to advise as necessary and respond to any concerns from members of the public.