"Am I allowed to drink alcohol on Barry Island?"

This is a question on the parched lips of the town's drinkers since lockdown restrictions eased on Saturday 27 March.

Up to six people from a maximum of two different households are now allowed to meet outdoors in Wales. But are they allowed to drink?

The short answer: yes.

No COVID-19 restriction or Public Space Protection Order prohibits the consumption of alcohol on Barry Island.

Can Barry Island businesses legally sell alcohol?

According to current guidelines, businesses with off-sale licenses are allowed to sell alcohol in sealed containers between 6am and 10pm.

This means that Barry Island businesses are not breaking any guidelines when they sell alcoholic drinks with lids on.

What about the 'Alcohol Restricted Area'?

Since a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in 2017, Barry Island has been a Controlled Alcohol Zone.

A recent Twitter post from the Vale of Glamorgan stated the PSPO "means you should not take or consume alcohol on-site."

However, the PSPO in fact only enables Vale Enforcement Officers to confiscate alcohol in instances of anti-social behaviour.

The Tweet has since been deleted. Residents are allowed to consume alcohol within the Alcohol Restricted Zone.

Drinking is allowed as long as other rules are abided by

Throughout this lockdown, businesses have sold alcohol on Barry Island in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Prior to Saturday 13 March, customers were legally obliged to take their drinks home as they were only authorised to leave the house for essential travel and exercise.

Since that date, people have been allowed to meet with people from other households outdoors and are within their rights to drink alcohol while doing so.

In light of recent reports of anti-social behaviour, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has issued a stern warning against littering, excessive consumption of alcohol, and the breaking of social distancing rules.