AN ADVICE service has been set up for Flintshire people to pass on concerns about businesses not complying with the tightened coronavirus measures for Wales.

This week, First Minister Mark Drakeford set out tighter restrictions in Wales in an effort to stem the spread of a second wave of coronavirus.

With several county's in Wales now under local lockdown restrictions, and Flintshire itself on amber alert, there is growing pressure for people to stick to the rules to protect the health of themselves and others as well as protect the future of pubs and small businesses in the county.

Andrew Farrow, Chief Officer Planning, Environment and Economic Development at Flintshire County Council, said: “There is an expectation for licensed premises to follow the regulations set out by Welsh Government at this time.

"We have a degree of confidence that the vast majority of establishments will comply as initial visits made by council officers indicate that the trade are knowledgeable and well-prepared for the introduction of the new regulations.

"However, If concerns are raised by members of the public or partner agencies we will follow-up those reports and take proportionate action if required.”

Mr Farrow added there was advice available for businesses as well as a means for the public to pass on concerns.

He added: "Our Community and Business Protection Service is running an advice service for both the public to raise concerns about businesses they believe are not complying with Coronavirus Regulations and for businesses in Flintshire to seek advice on how to comply with the Regulations: e-mail: covidbusinesscompliance@flintshire.gov.uk or call 01352 703399."

The potentially devastating impact of another full lockdown on pubs in Flintshire was raised by landlord Andrew Griffiths of the Burntwood in Drury.

He said that, although the current restrictions are tough and a local lockdown would be tougher, he feared many pubs would not survive another national lockdown.

He said "If it happens again we think in the pub trade there won't be another grant system in place as they can't keep throwing free money around.

"I'm in a pub myself so I speak to pubs, shops and quite a few people, and a lot of people will be affected if we go into lockdown again."

He added: "If there's a local lockdown then the pubs are still open, but if they do another national lockdown pubs will close."

The new rules on restricting alcohol sales in Wales will hark back to the old policy of "drinking-up time" in pubs, First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

Since Thursday, all pubs and other licensed venues have had to stop serving alcohol from 10pm as part of the latest public health measures to tackle the resurgent coronavirus outbreak.

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.