Wales' hospitality sector expected to reopen indoors on 17 May

First minister Mark Drakeford has said he expects the hospitality sector in Wales – including bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés and tourist accommodation – should be able to open indoors from 17 May.

However, the next Welsh government will not be confirming this until the next three-week review on 13 May, a week after the election.

Drakeford said: "It will be for the incoming Welsh government to confirm these arrangements at the next three-week review, which will be held on 13 May – a week after the election. It is my assessment that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafés – will be able to open indoors from 17 May, together with all other tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions."

UKHospitality's executive director for Wales, Dave Chapman, said: "UKHospitality Cymru warmly welcomes the announcement of indoor hospitality opening in Wales from 17 May, at least a week earlier than previously thought.

"We have led the calls for earlier reopening and have been advising, consulting and negotiating on the need to help protect jobs and businesses – and the public – by opening up our scrupulously regulated licensed premises, to look after undoubted customer demand as soon as possible.

"This aligns us with England and Scotland, offers clarity and commercial hope and reflects positively the medical evidence."

From Monday, hospitality can reopen for outdoor service, organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people will be able to take place including wedding receptions, and outdoor swimming pools, funfairs and theme parks will be allowed to reopen.

From 3 May gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen and people will be able to form extended households with one other household. Further easing of restrictions have also been brought forward from 17 May to 3 May, including the resumption of indoor supervised activities for children and indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults, such as exercise classes.

From Saturday 24 April, the rule of six will allow for up to six people from six households to meet outdoors, not including children under 11 years of age or carers from those households.

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