Hundreds packed outside Cardiff bar on Friday night without social distancing

A video taken outside a bar in Cardiff in the early hours of the morning shows hundreds of people gathered outside without social distancing.

It shows the area outside Coyote Ugly bar on St Mary Street in the city centre just after midnight.

Ian Cottrell, who filmed the video, said police "were not enforcing social distancing guidance."

He said: "We were on our way home to get a taxi from the top of St Mary Street when we saw the queue. It was shocking really.

"There were police there and we asked them what they could do and they said they couldn't step in because it was up to the venue to police it.

"Venues have got a responsibility to their customers to make sure they are safe and it didn't look like that was happening there."

Lewis Beecham said this is a problem happening "every week". He took this photo of the bar on Friday 28th October:

Locals say the problem is happening regularly Credit: Lewis Beecham

The Welsh Government rules still state that just 30 people can meet up outside and individuals who are not from the same extended household must keep a two-metre distance from each other to stop the spread of coronavirus.

In response to the video, South Wales Police said: "While coronavirus remains a very real concern, our city centre officers still have to maintain business as usual, working to detect and prevent violent crime, tackling drug dealing and antisocial behaviour, as well as numerous other issues which impact on our night-time economy and the safety of revellers.

"Licensed premises have a duty to adhere to measures imposed by Welsh Government, and we and our partners work closely with such venues to remind them of their responsibilities. Concerns over licensed premises should be raised with Trading Standards in the first instance.

"Contrary to what was implied by the video, officers did engage with staff at the venue on Friday evening, and the venue has also been further visited today to try and prevent similar issues this evening and in the future."

The area outside the bar on St Mary Street was crowded in the early hours of the morning Credit: Ian Cottrell

Cardiff Council said its officers will also be visiting Coyote Ugly today.

A spokesperson said: "The council intends to use the images obtained from last night with a view to taking action against the venue for breaching COVID-19 Health & Safety measures as set out by Welsh Government.

"Scenes like this are unacceptable and if immediate improvements are not made then the Council could close the premises. Cardiff Council will take action on venues which are not following the rules."

Coyote Ugly has been approached for comment.