South Wales Police have announced their intention to patrol the Esplanade and ensure COVID-19 restrictions are being adhered to.

Although they referred to the area as a "no alcohol zone", the Esplanade is in fact a "controlled alcohol zone".

In normal times, this means that although alcohol may be consumed on the Esplanade, police are within their rights to confiscate beverages.

In light of COVID-19 restrictions, alcohol will now be confiscated as sitting by the seaside with a drink does not constitute daily exercise.

In a post on their Twitter account, they said:

"Penarth Esplanade has a Public Spaces Protection Order in place, this means that it is a no alcohol zone.

"Officers and @VOGCouncil will be patrolling to ensure that visitors to the area are acting responsibly within #alertlevel4 restrictions."

This comes after residents have raised fears over the virus being transmitted on the Esplanade.

One resident commented: "About time. It's been ridiculous down there for weeks."

The Esplanade has been a "controlled alcohol zone", since a Public Space Protection Order was imposed in 2017.

According to a 27 July 2020 Vale of Glamorgan Council report, which reviewed the restrictions "It will not be an offence to drink alcohol in a controlled drinking zone. However, it will be an offence to fail to comply with the request to cease drinking by an officer or surrender alcohol, in a controlled drinking zone. Possible sanctions include a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or a fine of up to level 2 upon conviction."