BUSINESSES in Monmouthshire were in for a surprise this morning when a letter was shared around social media claiming alcohol and tobacco sales were being banned in the county.

Thankfully for them - as well as the drinkers and smokers of the county - there were a few clues the letter was not quite what it seemed - not least that it was received on April 1 - or April Fool's Day.

If that didn't make it obvious enough, the letter - which appeared at first glance to be from Monmouthshire County Council - was also signed by 'Mr Brian Fool'.

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It read: "In line with the new legislation that is to be announced by the government tonight in relation to the current coronavirus pandemic, I am writing to let you know that ALL alcohol and tobacco products MUST BE WITHDRAWN FROM SALE as of MIDNIGHT TONIGHT from ALL supermarkets and retailers in the Monmouthshire area.

"This is being done to curb the current high growth of cases in the area."

Earlier today Monmouthshire Council confirmed the letter was a fake. A tweet from the council's official Twitter account said: "IMPORTANT: A fake letter has been sent to businesses. This is NOT genuine and is not from our licensing team."

And now the jokester behind the prank has been revealed - as owner of Londis in Rother Avenue, Abergavenny - who asked to be referred to only as 'Becks'.

He said he hoped it had lifted spirits during what is proving to be a challenging time.

"It was deliberately designed to look amateur so it was obvious to people that it was a joke," he said. "It was meant to spread some cheer, especially concerning the challenges for us all at this time. I think in large part it was taken as a joke and has lifted spirits I hope."