The boss of a Newtown cafe has insisted he has done nothing wrong after being accused by Powys Council of failing to comply with Covid-19 regulations.

Jack's Cafe in Broad Street has been issued with the Covid-19 improvement notice by Powys Council, but owner Yakup Ozer has said the cafe has done everything in its powers to comply with test and trace protocols, and to maintain social distancing between customers.

The council said this afternoon that it had issued the notice, saying that the premise had "shown a disregard for a prior warning given to them by trading standards", leading to the improvement notice being issued.

Cllr James Evans, cabinet member for economy, housing and regulatory services, said: “The majority of hospitality premises in Powys are working extremely hard to keep people safe and comply with the Covid-19 regulations.

"Businesses play a vital role in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus and this is a stark reminder that those who flout the regulations after warnings will face enforcement action, which includes potential closure."

But Mr Ozer said that the arrival and departure times of every customer had been recorded since the cafe reopened its doors after a short break three weeks ago.

"For three weeks I have taken every name of people coming in and going out," Mr Ozer said. "What can I do extra?"

He also said the premises is one of the biggest in town, but the usual 20 to 23 tables in the cafe had been reduced to just six, giving people ample room to keep apart.

"We are 100 per cent following all the protocols," Mr Ozer added.

Enforcement notices offer a minimum of 48 hours for premises to act on matters, which are then closely monitored by the council.

“By law, hospitality businesses such as pubs, restaurants and hairdressers must ask for their customers' contact details for track and trace purposes," Mr Evans added. "We are receiving complaints that some premises are not doing this which is unacceptable and poses huge health risks.

“There has been a period of adjustment as the council has supported businesses to get used to these requirements, but enforcement action must now be taken with cases of coronavirus rising in the county.

“We are working with Dyfed Powys Police to ensure that all licensed premises in Powys follow the rules and do everything they can to minimise further spread of the virus.

“If people continue to ignore guidance then we risk having a local lockdown, just as we’re seeing in other parts of Wales. Nobody wants that to happen so let’s work together and follow the latest advice.”