Pembrokeshire pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants re-opened for outdoor service on Monday, with ‘Café Culture’ also returning to Tenby as part of the annual pedestrianisation scheme.

The Welsh Government’s First Minister Mark Drakeford said on Friday that licensed establishments will also be able to reopen for indoor service, from Monday, August 3, providing coronavirus cases continue to fall.

The move is another step towards unlocking and follows the removal of the Welsh five mile ‘stay local’ policy and the re-opening of entirely self-contained accommodation from last Saturday (July 11).

Pembrokeshire County Council manages ‘Café Culture’ - the setting up of table and chairs on the highway/pavements - in line with its street trading policy.

“The ability of pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants etc to open outdoors is to be welcomed, we trust in our businesses to operate in as safe a way as possible and in line with relevant legislation,” said Clr. Phil Baker, PCC’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Licensing and Major Events.

“The objective is to get through this stage safely, together, and learn the lessons, and in the light of the public health position hopefully move to indoor hospitality opening on August 3.

“We would ask everyone who is planning to visit Pembrokeshire and its pubs, cafes, restaurants etc do so in a respectful way that keeps everyone as safe as possible, carefully following the measures the establishments put in place and keeping in mind all social distancing measures,” he added.

Meanwhile, members of Tenby Town Council have decided not to pursue a suggestion that the pedestrianisation scheme be extended this year further into the evening, to help businesses and shops in the town who have missed out on weeks of trading over the lockdown.

Members had previously stated that it would be beneficial to businesses, if they could sound out Pembrokeshire County Council about the possibilities of extending pedestrianisation to 8 pm in the evening.

Speaking following Tuesday night’s ‘remote’ meeting of the town council, the town clerk Andrew Davies said: “The main decision taken last night was that we’ve resolved to ask PCC not to pursue the town council’s suggestion to look into the possibilities of extending pedestrianisation any further.

“This decision was taken based on the complexities around the legal framework of the Road Traffic Order outlined to us by Mr. Darren Thomas, Head of Highways; the representations made to us by walled town residents over further restriction to their access and the further easing of lockdown restrictions scheduled for cafes, restaurants and public houses,” he added.

The town council has also resolved to purchase five hand sanitiser stations to be sited at strategic points around Tenby to reinforce good hygiene practice; along with banners to reinforce the social distancing message.

In Saundersfoot establishments that reopened outdoors on Monday were also prepared to welcome customers back, with one bar the Old Chemist Inn highlighting the measures and precautions in place to reassure pub-goers.

“We have taken every precaution to ensure our customers’ safety and good behaviour,” remarked licensees Rita and Ollie Gibson.

On arrival at the Old Chemist Inn, customers will have their temperature checked with a laser thermometer, and if this shows amber or red, then they won’t be allowed in.

Staff will also be on hand to lead groups to their table one group at a time, with the only occasion people will be able to leave their tables is if they are going to the toilet or exiting the premises.

Customers will also need to supply details if it is necessary to use track and trace.

Tables will be bookable at two-hourly slots; and anti-bacterial stations available.

“We live in a community with quite a lot of retired people, and we appreciate there are anxieties about pubs re-opening, so hopefully what we have put in place will put people at ease,” added Rita.