Businesses urged to 'stay safe' as indoor hospitality reopens

As indoor hospitality service resumes, businesses are being reminded to keep their customers and staff as safe as possible.

After months of closure, cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Wales can reopen for indoor trading from Monday 17 May.

The council is working with businesses and communities throughout this period to ensure the correct safeguards are in place.

Premises are still required by law to ensure measures, such as social distancing and the use of PPE, are maintained.

Covid risk assessments should be updated where necessary and all staff members should be made aware of the latest procedures.

As lockdown eases, spot checks and inspections will be carried out on businesses to ensure they have Covid-secure measures in place.

Due to the prolonged closure period the council is urging businesses to check their water systems for possible stagnation, as a lack of use can increase the risks of Legionnaires' disease.

Similarly, equipment stored or unused for long periods of time should also be checked for any damage or deterioration.

Cllr Graham Breeze, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said: "This has been a hugely challenging time for our hospitality sector, and I am so pleased to see these resilient businesses getting back to what they do best.

"After months of tight restrictions, we should all feel able to enjoy this new freedom but at the same time people's safety must remain at the forefront of our minds.

"The council's Public Protection Team are on hand to help if businesses need some support with the measures, and they must not hesitate to get in touch with us.

"We want our local economy to have the best chance of recovery so using enforcement action against businesses will be a last resort, but it will be used if the situation requires it."