PUBS, cafés and restaurants can open outdoors from across Wales today but the planning behind such a move is immense.

For Dewi Davies, landlord at the Nag’s Head at Aberycych, it has been non-stop since Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford gave such businesses the green light to reopen, albeit on a restrictive scale.

“The safety of our customers and staff is of the highest importance and we are doing all we can to adhere to the ever changing Covid-19 secure guidelines,” said Dewi.

“I have got staff who want to work, customers that want to drink and those who want to come and eat but it all has to be planned in a safe environment for everyone.

“I have not got a problem with the restrictions and the cautious nature ion the way they are being relaxed. We are behind London and the rest of England in the rates of infection and we have got an elderly population here.

“We have to get it right and we are doing everything we can to make people feel safe and secure.”

Hours and hours have gone into planning and introducing new working methods in the pub – a scene that is being played out across the country.

A raft of measures are being introduced at the Nag’s Head:

  • Two metre social distance to be adhered to where possible
  • Table service outside only until Aug 3rd - pre booking is essential
  • Contact name and number required at time of booking and email address if possible
  • Contactless card payments encouraged avoiding cash where possible
  • All staff will be wearing masks and gloves
  • Hand sanitising encouraged with stations located throughout all areas
  • Each table and contents sanitised between sittings and left for 10 mins
  • Cleaning and sanitising of high touch point areas will be carried out on a regular basis with toilets every 2hrs
  • Limiting contact between staff and customers will be a priority
  • All customers to park in the main car park and not in front of the pub
  • A "one way system" will be in use for outside tables and inside toilet access
  • Table bookings for diners will be prioritised over those only drinking
  • There will be a maximum two-hour occupancy period per table booking
  • There will be a reduced menu, however, there will still be plenty of choice including the "Nags Pub Classics"
  • No smoking allowed under canopied area

“We have to make sure our hygiene is right up there and there will be signage throughout the pub and outside areas,” added Dewi.

“We are not sure what sort of numbers we will be serving but as per Welsh Government guidelines, we will be opening outside for drinks only from today (Monday, July 13) at 5pm (table service, no bar) and for dinner from Wednesday, July 15 at 5pm to 9pm and lunch from Friday, July 17 at midday to 2.30pm

“Although we will review our opening hours depending on demand, we are not currently planning to serve dinner on a Sunday or Monday evening in July and lunch will only be served on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday until August, when we hope to be able to open inside.”

The pub’s website and Facebook pages will list up to date opening times.