Dyfed-Powys Police have stated that they are working very closely with authorities to ensure that Tenby is a safe seaside resort for all to visit over the forthcoming summer months, following concerns that were raised after the weekend on the high level of people seen on the streets of the town consuming alcohol.

With self-contained holiday accommodation opening from last Saturday (July 11) and travel restrictions lifted the Monday before, combined with the hot and sunny weather over the weekend, there was an influx of people returning to the town.

However, even though pubs and bars were only given the go-ahead to open outdoors from Monday (July 13), licensed premises have been able to serve ‘takeaway’ drinks before this date. Licensed establishments are not likely to be able to reopen indoors until August 3 according to the Welsh Government, as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall.

With that concerns were raised about the vast number of people walking around Tenby with pints of beer in plastic glasses on Saturday into the night, and the large queues that had formed outside licensed establishments, leading to worries over a lack of social-distancing, with some describing the situation in the town as potentially ‘chaotic and anarchic’ if not policed and monitored effectively.

One local resident told the Observer: “New for this year I have seen men walking around town drinking pints of beer, is this what we want? Today, Tuesday at 3 pm, I saw two men drinking pints leaning against the walls by the Ty Hafan charity shop!

“I speak as someone who has worked in Tenby for over 25 years - do we want to go back to the days of Tenby as the ‘stag capital’ of Wales? It took years to get rid of that, and for families to come back into town on Friday and Saturday nights.

“I know we have had a hard three months and businesses are hurting but we must not let Tenby’s family atmosphere be ruined by drinking in the streets.”

The police scheme Operation Lion which aims to ensure public safety and deter anti-social behaviour, low level public order and drink related problems, to make Tenby a pleasurable place to visit over the forthcoming summer months, launches once again today (Friday, July 17) and will be running until at least Sunday, September 6.

Under the partnership initiative which involves Dyfed-Powys Police, British Transport Police, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Pembrokeshire Local Authority and local Licensees - more police resources will be dedicated to the area to help cope with the increase of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour the town experiences over the summer.

Addressing the concerns from the weekend, Pembrokeshire’s Chief Inspector Louise Harries commented: “We are aware of some of the concerns raised by local residents in respect of people drinking alcohol in Tenby streets.

“We are working very closely with our partners to ensure that Tenby continues to be a safe and popular destination for all to visit over the forthcoming summer months.

“Officers continue to patrol the areas for reassurance and to deal with any criminality found, ensuring people stay safe and respectful. We will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour that impacts on residents and visitors alike.

“As usual our Tenby officers will be supported by additional officers throughout the summer period as we launch our Operation Lion plans,” she added.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Licensing, Councillor Phil Baker stated: “I would like to remind everyone to respect our communities. Lockdown has been very difficult for everyone. We all need to work together as we start to welcome visitors and see a relaxation of restrictions.

“We fully support the view taken by the Police on this matter. Anti-social behaviour is not acceptable at any time.”

Following the weekend, the Mayor of Tenby, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall and the town clerk met with Inspector Hamish Nichols, of Tenby police station and reported back to members of the town council at their ‘remote’ meeting on Tuesday night.

“Insp Nichols had said that, working with partner agencies and the licensing trade, there had been great strides made to change Tenby’s reputation and a ‘stag and hen’ destination and none of us wanted those days to return,” said the town clerk Andrew Davies.

“Operation Lion will see additional police resources deployed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Assessments will be made closer to the time as to whether there is a need to look at extending the scheme further into September.

“The police have stated that they will also be monitoring the situation in town on the other days of the week and will look to target additional resources if needed.

“In addition to continuing to work with partner agencies and the licensing trade, they will also use all legal powers available to them, including dispersal orders and fast track licensing reviews to address any anti-social behaviour problems.

“We have been told that the town’s CCTV system will be constantly monitored to identify potential hotspots and Tenby police station will be manned 24 hours.

“If anyone is concerned about potential anti-social behaviour they should contact the police,” he added, stating that members of the town council welcomed the police’s pro-active approach.

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Clr. David Simpson, said that he was aware that a minority of people decided to ignore advice given about respecting the county and beauty spots over the weekend.

“This week we are starting to see changes in our communities following the announcements from Welsh Government last Friday. Cafes, restaurants and bars can now re-open albeit outdoor areas only. This is a phased approach to the re-opening of our hospitality sector,” he said.

“I am very aware that re-opening of different sectors within our communities will require detailed planning. There is also a need for everyone to support each other and be very mindful of how we unlock services.

“This is not the green light and throw the Covid-19 rulebook out of the window moment. Everyone still has to support each other, support our communities and ensure we behave sensibly.

“Unfortunately, I have been informed that a minority of people decided to ignore the advice given which has resulted in negative feedback. Please can everyone remain on the road to recovery and consider ‘doing the right thing’ and not ignoring the advice.

“Over the last few months I have been very proud of Team Pembrokeshire – so please everyone keep working together.

“I’m pleased to announce that this week we have redeployed staff from our leisure centres to become ‘visitor welcome guides.’

“You will see them out and about, ready to answer questions with a smile and offer advice on where to go. The visitor guides are part of our strategic approach to managing our summer season.

“As well as the guides, we have set up an operations room in County Hall to monitor issues such as parking, beaches, traffic flows and toilets.

“We are ensuring that we are proactive and can deal with issues as they arise in order to support our communities and visitors.

‘So please everyone keep on the road to recovery, continue supporting each other and please ensure you consider what footprint you leave behind when you travel. Do not impact negatively on our beautiful county,” added Clr. Simpson.

The latest advice and guidance for premises is available at: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/licensing.