Bars, cafes and restaurants told to ensure people from different social bubbles don’t mix indoors

Bars, cafes and restaurants have been told to ensure people from different social bubbles don’t mix indoors.

Gwynedd Council has issued the advice after thanking the county’s businesses for their work in helping to keep communities safe as they have been welcoming customers back following the easing of lockdown.

All kinds of businesses across Gwynedd have put measures in place that have enabled them to trade in a way that keeps their staff and customers safe.

But despite the easing of lockdown, the council said coronavirus remains a risk to us all.

That is why Gwynedd Council has issued a reminder that legislation still does not permit people from different extended households or ‘social bubbles’ to meet together in order to eat or drink inside their premises.

People from different social bubbles may meet up together outdoors, but should observe Welsh Government social distancing guidelines and keep two metres apart.

Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economy said: “We’re grateful to businesses throughout Gwynedd for playing their part in ensuring that their premises are safe for customers and staff.

“We understand that it remains a difficult time for businesses but their effort is key to helping to control the spread of coronavirus.

“As a council, we are continuing to work with Gwynedd businesses and communities to support each other throughout the next period in order to safeguard the health of the people of Gwynedd alongside supporting businesses and the local economy.

“The council is here to support businesses so that they can continue trade safely. Our officers are working to ensure that businesses have access to all the latest information.

“For example it is now compulsory for hospitality businesses in Wales to collect contact details to support the Test, Trace and Protect service.

“Details of staff, customers and visitors need to be recorded – this is to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

Businesses are under a legal duty to provide information to those on their premises about how to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Gwynedd Council has produced posters and signs that can be used by the county’s businesses to remind customers about Welsh Covid-19 restrictions which are available from the authority’s website.

Councillor Gareth Griffith, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Environment added: “Businesses have been doing all that they can to ensure that the county stays safe as lockdown is eased.

“However, where enforcement officers consider it necessary and proportionate to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus, premises may be issued with an improvement or closure notice.

“We do not take such action lightly, but our officers will use these powers should they consider it necessary to tackle any business that is failing in their duty to protect the health of their customers.”