The owner of the group which operates one of Abergavenny’s most prestigious venues says he has been forced to make the decision to shut the business while the new regulations introduced by the Welsh government on Monday are in existence.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has come in for criticism from industry chiefs worried for their futures once pubs, hotesl and restaurants are not allowed to serve alcohol from 6pm on Friday.( See p6 & p11)

The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny has decided to completely close its doors while the new Welsh hospitality restrictions are in place requiring them to shut at 6pm and banning the sale of alcohol.

It is just not viable to run the business with these restrictions.

In the same group, The Walnut Tree Inn (Shaun Hill’s Michelin Star restaurant) will only be open for lunch Wednesday to Saturday.

William Griffiths who runs the group which owns The Angel Hotel and The Walnut Tree Inn said yesterday : ‘‘For the past week we have been decking the halls, putting up Christmas trees (our biggest ever outside the front of the hotel), hanging wreaths, feeding our Christmas cakes and mixing huge tubs of mincemeat.

‘‘Our menus were all planned and cocktail lists written for our most favourite time of the year.

‘‘However, following the announcement from the Welsh assembly on Monday it is not possible for us to operate.

‘‘It is simply not viable for us to open the business partially and with a limited offer due to the complexity and scale of our operation.’’

The restictions are due to stay in place until December 17 when the Welsh government are likely to announce new rules in the run up to Christmas