A COMPROMISE has been reached between a Wrexham pub and the local council after an outdoor seating area was deemed to be ‘indoors’.

The Leader previously reported how the Wrexham branch of the Fat Boar pub was informed by the council that their outdoor seating cover was classified as an enclosed space.

The news meant the wooden fixture – that housed seating booths - was deemed unusable by Welsh Government standards ahead of the long-awaited reopening of pub gardens in Wales.

Members of the public were quick to defend the popular eatery with their confusion over the decision made by Wrexham Council.

Since then, officials have met with the Fat Boar and compromised on the best way forward.

Council members claimed that they were following Welsh Government guidance that coverings must be ’75 per cent open’.

Richard Watkin, owner of the venue, told the Leader how the pub garden could plough on with plans to reopen and use up to “60 per cent of the booths” they have.

He added that once indoor hospitality is given the green light to reopen then the full space could be used outdoors as well as indoors.

Later posting on social media, the pub chain tweeted: “It’s been an up and down week. Hugely grateful to everyone who has helped to resolve the issue, we can’t wait to open, and look forward to welcoming you all on the 26th to a safe and friendly environment in the [heart] of our town.”

Outdoor hospitality is due to reopen in Wales on April 26 – but that will be fully confirmed on Friday, April 23 by the First Minister.

After May 17, the Welsh Government will consider reopening indoor hospitality.

Explaining the guidance Wrexham Council refers to, a Welsh Government spokesman said: "Mitigations to support the opening of hospitality outdoors have been issued today.

"They have been developed with industry stakeholders and include confirmation that spaces which are open-sided or more than 51 per cent open are classed as outdoor spaces.

"Local authorities representatives were part of the process to develop the mitigations and all authorities will have received a copy.

"Further details on any changes to restrictions will be announced at the next review of the regulations."