Following the gradual relaxing of lockdown restrictions and the excellent response from Wrexham traders and public alike we are now making plans for the re-opening of the evening trade in Wrexham as many pubs prepare to open beer gardens and outside spaces.
Other premises are preparing for 3 August when it is expected they can open their doors to the public for the first time since March, providing Coronavirus cases continue to fall.
As with everything else following the Coronavirus pandemic, unlocking services will be done with public and staff safety in mind and we’ll be working with traders to ensure they can benefit from a different way of working whilst giving customers the service they expect.
Not all will be open straight away and you are advised to check premises are open before you go as you may need to book a table and there may be a limit on the time you can stay. Social distancing will also be in place.
We are also looking at some new ways of working in Wrexham High Street and are proposing to close it to traffic between 6pm and 6am (access to St Giles Church and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times) from the Wynnstay to Old No 7 Bar and Grill and set out tables and chairs on the wide pavements so people can enjoy themselves whilst remaining safe outside and supporting local traders and give a cosmopolitan feeling.
In order to do this landlords will need to apply for pavement (street café)licences and put in place safe practices such as security to make sure everyone stays safe.
There’ll also be a table booking requirement with table service and social distancing in place.
Drinking alcohol in public places in the town centre is prohibited, as part of the Public Space Protection Order, but drinking in licensed premises and within the boundaries of street cafés is permitted.
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “This is a really challenging time for businesses and to help Wrexham re-open for business once again safety is everyone’s priority. High Street will look very different if the proposals go ahead and we hope visitors will return to the night time economy and support those businesses who have been very badly hit by the lockdown.
“The town centre and Streetscene staff have worked really hard during recent times to put in measures to make sure the area looks good whilst keeping the safety of everyone in the town centre in mind and I would like to thank them for their commitment to the town centre. Council staff and North Wales Police remain on hand to help and advise and to make the High Street look different but ready for evening visitors.”
“I’d also like to take this opportunity thank traders for their hard work and to encourage them to engage with us as we move forward with safely re-opening businesses in Wrexham.
“Our message is that Wrexham is safely re-opening for businesses to trade and we have lots to do in the coming weeks and months to make sure it stays safe.”
Wrexham Town Inspector, Vic Powell said; “I wish licensed premises the best of luck for their limited re opening. I ask that licensees ensure that arrangements are within Welsh Government and local authority advice and guidelines. Officers will be on patrol locally with officers from Wrexham County Borough Council’s Licensing and Trading Standards teams and will be paying attention to licensed premises for support and compliance. I would like to thank everyone involved in this re-opening for their planning and compliance with the regulations and legislation. I look forward to working with all our partners to ensure this re-opening is a safe and positive event.”
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