Clarification on how new 10pm closure time affects pubs and bars in Wrexham

Clarification over how the new 10pm closure time affects bars and pubs in Wrexham has been issued by the council.

From today all pubs in Wales must stop serving alcohol at 10pm. The new law allows 20 minutes for customers to finish their drinks but premises must close by 10.20pm.

The new measures, which were announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford on Monday, have been introduced in a bid to prevent a fresh coronavirus crisis.

The First Minister likened the new rules as a return to the old style ‘drinking up’ time, adding “I think people will very quickly get used to what we are proposing”.

The new laws also apply to off licenses and other licensed premises and makes it illegal to sell alcohol between 10pm and 6am however these premises may remain open to sell anything other than alcohol.

For example, all supermarkets and food retailers who sell alcohol may continue to trade after 10pm but must not sell any alcohol.

Other venues that have a license for example, cinemas and bowling alleys may also remain open beyond 10pm but sales of alcohol must stop at 10pm. Similarly, restaurants and cafes are not required to close but must stop selling alcohol at 10pm.

Cllr Hugh Jones said, “These new laws are designed to keep Wrexham and Wales safe and reduce the risk posed by large numbers of people drinking on a night out.

“It’s inevitable that regard for social distancing goes out of the window when people have had a few drinks so I sincerely hope these restrictions will eliminate risky behaviour. However, if it doesn’t and infections continue to rise, further restrictions will be inevitable.”

Speaking in an address to the nation earlier this week, Mr Drakeford: “Once again, we are facing rising cases of coronavirus infections in different parts of Wales and once again we are seeing people being admitted to our hospitals with serious illnesses because of this virus.

“In the weeks and months ahead of us, there is a very real possibility we could see coronavirus regain a foothold in our local communities, towns and cities. None of us wants to see that happen again.

“In some parts of South Wales, where we have seen the sharpest rises in cases, there are already even stricter local restrictions in place to protect people’s health. We now need to make that difference across Wales.

“It was with the help of people across Wales that we got through the first wave in the spring – you followed all the rules and helped reduce cases of coronavirus, protecting the NHS and saving lives.

“We need everyone to follow the rules and guidance and to take the steps to protect them and their loved ones. Together, we can keep Wales safe.”

“And think carefully about making journeys: only travel when you need to do so. The fewer people we meet and the fewer journeys we make, the safer we all are.”

North Wales Police and Wrexham Council’s Licensing Officers will be supporting the trade with advice and will be monitoring compliance with the new laws over the coming nights.