Welsh businesses who don't follow social distancing rules warned they could face closure

Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language, Eluned Morgan has warned businesses who don't follow social distancing rules will face the threat of closure.

Speaking at Tuesday's Welsh Government coronavirus update she said authorities will ''take action'' to enforce the rules in Wales.

She said: ''Most of us are following the law and helping to stop the virus from spreading, but to the small minority of businesses and people who aren't we will take action to enforce the rules in Wales.

''Ignoring the legal requirements to minimise risk of spreading coronavirus on premises cannot be an option – we are working with local authorities, with environmental health offices, with the national park authorities and with the police to ensure the measures to keep us all safe are complied with.

 ''We also have enforcement powers, which allow us, local authorities and the police to take action if some people’s behaviour becomes a threat to other people’s health. Changes to those powers this week will mean that this includes closing specific premises if this is necessary.''

It comes as indoor hospitality welcomed customers back on Monday.

The minister also said culture, hospitality, sports and events sectors have been ''particularly hard hit'' by the coronavirus pandemic.

''Coronavirus is much more than a health crisis. It has affected every area of our lives and economy,'' she said.

''The culture hospitality, sports and events sectors have been particularly hard hit.

''Their closure had a massive impact on jobs and livelihoods and also on our whole way of life.''

The minister said she has met representatives of the events sector to ''consider our approach to re-starting events and festivals across the country.''

With groups of up to 30 people now allowed to gather, Morgan said there are considerations to be made about how events can take place and follow these rules.