Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes across Wales will not be able to serve alcohol and must close by 6pm starting on Friday, first minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

Drakeford told a press conference on Monday that coronavirus was “accelerating across Wales” and modelling suggested another 1,600 people could also lose their lives over the winter period.

The announcement comes just three weeks after the end of Wales’s 17-day firebreak lockdown and amid another rise in coronavirus cases particularly among under-25s in 17 of the country’s 22 local authorities.

Drakeford warned the gains achieved during the country’s firebreak were being eroded.

He said that unless action was taken now, the number of people with coronavirus in Welsh hospitals could reach 2,200 by January 12.

“From 6pm on Friday, our national measures will be amended to introduce new restrictions for hospitality and indoor entertainment attractions,” Drakeford said.

“Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will have to close by 6pm and will not be allowed to serve alcohol. After 6pm they will only be able to provide takeaway services.

“From the same date, indoor entertainment venues, including cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, soft play centres, casinos, skating rinks and amusement arcades, must close.”

Other national measures, such as household bubbles, will remain the same, as well as how many people can meet in public indoor or outdoors.

The restrictions will be formally reviewed by December 17 and then every three weeks.

It comes as MPs in Westminster prepare to vote on Boris Johnson’s new tiers system for England which will initially see 99% of the country’s population facing major restrictions on hospitality and mixing with other households.