Up to six can meet indoors at pubs in Wales from next week
Groups of up to six people from different households will be able to meet indoors in Welsh pubs from next week.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed that indoor hospitality including public houses, cafes and restaurants can reopen from Monday as the coronavirus infection rate continues to drop.
Mr Drakeford said the extra cash will be made available to "support firms and safeguard jobs" in the hospitality industry.
Business will be able to claim up to £25,000 to help them through to the end of June to help with preparations reopening.
The move follows calls from a group representing more than 400 cafes, pubs, restaurants and hotels urging the Welsh government to substantially ease restriction before July.
When they reopen in Wales, six people from any household will be able to meet, but those who do not live together, or who are not in bubbles, will have to socially distance, with the rule being two metres apart to make it easier to enforce, bringing it into line with beer garden rules, and indoor meeting drinking rules over the border.
The Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective is calling for restrictions to be eased in the hospitality sector and for financial support at least matching that available in England and Scotland.
In England pubs will also open indoors on Monday, with people from different households or not in a bubble having to stay one metre apart.
