Welsh reopening: proof of residency, 'rule of 4' and no English visitors
Pubs closed on Friday 23 October as the nation was plunged into a 17-day ‘firebreak’ lockdown to curb rates of coronavirus transmission.
Nationwide rules have replaced varying local measures, including 'the rule of four' permitting up to four members of different households to meet together in hospitality settings.
Larger households are permitted to visit hospitality businesses together but they must provide proof of address. Many businesses are sticking to a maximum of six people just to be on the safe side.
Customers must provide proof of identification when filling out details for contact-tracing. Methods of proof could include drivers licence, bank or credit cards.
Children under the age of 11 do not count towards the limit of four, the Welsh Government said.
In specific guidance for hospitality, the Government said booking slots should be up to two hours as a “rule of thumb”.
Safety measures
It has also warned pubgoers to not visit multiple venues in one day.
Pubs must stop selling and serving alcohol at 10pm and be closed by 10.20pm – they can provide takeaways and delivery beyond this curfew but only of food and soft drinks.
First Minister Mark Drakeford told BBC Wales Breakfast the public was still being advised to limit social interaction and only use public transport for essential journeys.
"The fewer people we meet, the fewer journeys we all make, the more we work from home, the safer we will all be," he said.
"Coronavirus isn't something that happens to somebody else. It can happen just as easily to you and what you do, the decisions you make, are the decisions that keep you and other people safe."
English lockdown
Guidance states that the public must abide by rules relating to travel, for example English residents must not come to Wales and try to go to pubs there.
Businesses are not legally responsible for enforcing this but must not aid anyone suspected to be breaking this English lockdown.
Any business that encourages a breach of coronavirus laws may be committing an offence but the obligation is on the individual.
Operators have been encouraging customers to return to their venues and emphasising the new rules on social media.
From Monday, we’ll be back! 12-10 every day. Here’s how we’ll be ensuring we keep our team & customers safe. ✌ ✌ ✌ pic.twitter.com/mS322sAnhf
— BrewDog Cardiff (@BrewDogCardiff) November 7, 2020
Can't wait to open the doors tomorrow and welcome everyone back, its been a little lonely without you! Here's the guidelines we need to follow from tomorrow...#StaySafe#StayLocal#Loveyourvillage#tongwynlais#localpubpic.twitter.com/7JtBWTgmw2
— The Lewis Arms (@TheLewisArms) November 8, 2020
We can't wait to see all your lovely faces when we reopen tomorrow.
— The Heath (@HeathPubCardiff) November 8, 2020
Please remember you need to book a table, by visiting the website, or via the brains pub app.
There are also a couple of new rules to adhere to, please see below for full details. pic.twitter.com/gXVKkW4rHA
- Are you reopening? Let us know how it goes on rzvyl.unjxvaf@jeoz.pbz
