An independent business shut down for refusing to implement the Welsh Government Covid passport scheme defied the closure order and re-opened today - Friday, November 19.
Earlier this week Cinema & Co in Castle Street announced on social media it would not enforce the rules which came into force this week, extending the Covid pass scheme in Wales to cover cinemas, theatres and concert halls.
The move prompted Swansea Council to send in enforcement officers on Thursday evening, who told the business it would need to close temporarily. Notices were pinned to the outside of the premises, claiming the business had not carried out a Covid risk assessment.
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Yet, despite the move, the business opened its doors again on Friday, with well-wishers stopping by to show support.
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A sign outside, which would usually advertise the current film to be screened read: 'Now showing - normality'.
Owner Anna Redfern said: "The closure order imposed on me by the City and County of Swansea's trading standards department is under immediate appeal and is currently with my solicitors.
"Cinema & Co is a small multi-faceted business; we are many things to many people and indeed a cultural Hub for many creative activities. We are an independent cinema, a bar, a coffee-shop, and we do many small children's parties and live music events. We have provided services to the local community for many years.
"We are not a faceless off-shore tax-dodging multiplex with ten screens and 2,000 seats, we are a unique venue with a capacity of 56 seats. Our market place is the diverse, vibrant community that is Swansea's so-called Cafe Quarter and we compete directly with the likes of The Perch, No Sign Bar and small coffee shops in the immediate area.
"None of the venues are required to see a corona virus pass or force their customers to take a lateral flow test prior to entering their premises.
"I always act in a responsible manner in every aspect of my business, therefore do not believe that my actions are in any way a danger to the health of any of my customers.
"I will continue to trade responsibly and in line with all the other businesses in the immediate area. I am a single mum with two small boys and I will not allow a council officer with a clipboard to end my right to provide for my family".
In the meantime a Crowdfunder has started up online in support of the cinema and with the aim of raising money to cover its 'loss of business' while it remains closed. So far it appears to have raised more than £40,000
A Swansea Council spokesman said: "The Council has recently issued the owners of Cinema & Co with a legal notice requiring them to close for a maximum of 28 days. This was issued due to the absence of any measures to protect the public against Covid 19.
"We have since been made aware the business has re-opened and we are now considering further steps to ensure the venue complies with the current Covid regulations.
"Thankfully, the majority of businesses in Swansea have acted in a responsible manner in the interests of public safety and have worked with the council to ensure venues have appropriate measures in place to help minimise the spread of coronavirus".
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