A CAMPAIGN chairman has spoken of his delight at the reopening of pubs across North Wales.

Pubs, restaurants, bars, cafes reopened for outdoor service in Wales on Monday for the first time since December.

Chester and South Clwyd Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) chairman Brian Vardy said: "It is excellent news for pubs - I am sure they will be very pleased.

"It is definitely a step forward because the pandemic has been very bad for a lot of them.

"But the other side of the coin is that it's difficult for pubs which don't have an outside area. "I understand some local authorities have relaxed some of the normal regulations about using car parks and areas like that for outside drinking."

On his message to the public, he added: "I would encourage them to support their local pub, but I'd also urge them to follow the rules."

Speaking last week about the next part of relaxations of the covid rules, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are able confirm more easing of the restrictions from April 26 and for early May we are again able to bring forward some of our plans.

"However, this progress is dependent on all of us continuing to work together to keep Wales safe.

"At the last three-week review, I set out a forward-look of how the restrictions could continue to be lifted in the weeks ahead, if the public health situation remains stable.

"It will be for the incoming Welsh Government to confirm these arrangements at the next three-week review, which will be held on May 13 – a week after the election.

"It is my assessment that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes – will be able to open indoors from May 17, together with all other tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions."