With outdoor hospitality businesses now allowed to reopen in Wales, business owners in Ceredigion and Powys are being encouraged to make sure they are fully aware of the latest guidance.

Six people can now meet outdoors in Wales, and outdoor hospitality, including cafes, pubs and restaurants were allowed to reopen on Monday, alongside outdoor attractions, organised outdoor activities and wedding receptions for up to 30 people.

Welsh Government has also announced that Wales is on track for indoor hospitality reopening from Monday, 17 May, subject to confirmation.

In order to open outdoor hospitality more comfortably and safely, some venues may want to erect outdoor structures/shelters to provide some protection from the changeable Welsh weather.

To be considered ‘outdoors’, shelters, marquees and other structures cannot be ‘enclosed’ or ‘substantially enclosed’ to comply with the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020. If the structure has a roof, at least 50 per cent of the area of their ‘walls’ or sides must be open at all times when in use.

"This does not include any windows or doors within the structure," a Ceredigion council spokesperson said.

"This ‘50 per cent rule’ has been taken from smoke-free premises legislation, so if you cannot smoke in a structure or building, it will also not be able to be used for outdoor hospitality.

"It is also important to site structures as far away from any permanent structures, for example walls or hedges as these may then accidentally form part of the perimeter of the structure as they act to enclose these sides.

"As a guide, a structure should be at least 1.5 metres away from any materials or other structure that would act to enclose these sides. It is important to remember that not only must any outdoor shelter comply with the legislation on smoking, but also with laws relating to planning, building control and the conditions for licensed premises e.g. the positioning of the structure means that your CCTV is not effective.

"It is also advisable that businesses contact the fire officer to discuss any impact the structure/shelter may have on fire escape routes, etc."

Gwilym Davies, Powys Council head of property, planning and public protection, said: “It’s great to see so many local hospitality businesses trading again after a long wait.

“Understandably many people will be looking forward to their first meal or drink out in months, which they should quite rightly enjoy.

“But for the sake of people’s safety we have to stress the importance of sticking to the guidance and not getting complacent.

“Our Public Protection Team are here to help if businesses need some support so do not hesitate to get in touch.

“Using enforcement action is always a last resort for the council, but where a premises is non-compliant we will issue improvement and closure notices if the situation requires it.”