When First Minister Mark Drakeford announced the Welsh Government's ban on the sale of alcohol in hospitality venues on 30 November, pub owners in Penarth could hardly believe their misfortune.

It had been an immensely difficult year for the industry already - 314 pubs had closed permanently nationwide by October, a sign of worse to come.

The November announcement brought the industry to its knees. Across the UK, December sales were thought to reduce by 90% on last year, costing the industry £650m.

Brains Brewery, which owns The Windsor on Windsor Road, CEO called the decision "a tragedy". It has now been over a month since Penarth's pubs poured a pint.

Although government grants have kept many of the town's most beloved pubs from going under, Natasha Rees (who runs St Fagan's with her husband Gareth) says time is running out.

The family had only taken over the pub in October after being forced to vacate The Station in Cogan during the first lockdown.

They held opening night on 9 November, just three weeks before the alcohol ban came into effect.

"We are just trying to get by to be honest," Natasha tells Nub News.

"What the government has given until now has basically just covered what we owe each month. All that matters really to us is that we can cover costs so that we are able to open back up when we can."

Publicans are now having to find ways to supplement their income and fill up the hours of spare time they have gained.

This week, Mark Pearson, who runs The Albion on Glebe Street, posted the following on social media:

"Due to the lockdown I'm unable to open and so able to work.

"If anybody on this site is looking for a driver/handyman I would appreciate opportunity to be considered."

Prior to his time at The Albion, Mark owned a construction and scaffolding company that traded for twenty years. His post received a remarkable 143 shares on social media.

Natasha says she is also looking at ways to diversify to survive this difficult time. They are reintroducing their "In A Box" delivery range for Sunday roasts and special occasions.

"We have some decor that we are carrying on with in the pub, so that has kept up busy, and we're also going to start Sunday lunch takeaways and deliveries in the next few weeks.

"It's not easy but we haven't sunk yet."