More restrictions on Welsh hospitality not 'proportionate' yet, says FM as many in industry concerned for future

The First Minister has not ruled out introducing restrictions on hospitality businesses, like those seen in Scotland, if virus transmission becomes a problem in these settings.

Mark Drakeford MS said currently, evidence does not indicate that Welsh pubs and restaurants are hotspots for spreading the virus and so implementing more restrictions on the industry now would not be "proportionate".

He explained that the Welsh Government approach is to find what is driving virus case numbers in an area and then "match" their actions against the cause.

It comes as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes in Scotland face more restrictions on their operating hours from 6pm on Friday.

Forced closures for some hospitality businesses in parts of England are also expected.

Many in the Welsh hospitality industry have faced huge losses in custom already and are concerned about what continued restrictions, or even further limitations, could do to their businesses.

Mr Drakeford said he is "sure" that the UK Government will want to go on ensuring that the same help is available to all UK businesses. Credit: PA Images

The First Minister said that "where hospitality is a problem" Welsh Government will take action, which could include the same measures seen in Scotland.

Most hospitality businesses in Scotland will only be able to operate indoors between 6am and 6pm.

However, Mr Drakeford said evidence does not currently suggest that coronavirus cases in Wales can be traced back to the hospitality industry.

The owner of one bar in Cardiff believes restrictions on hospitality should be loosened rather than tightened.

Nick Newman, who runs the Philharmonic, said he "firmly believes" that most in the industry operate safely and inline with Welsh Government regulations so opening times should be pushed back to midnight.

Licensed venues across Wales have to close by 10:20pm under current rules.

Mr Newman said easing off of restrictions on the industry would "quite frankly save jobs".

All licensed premises must close by 10:20pm in Wales. Credit: ITV Wales

On Friday afternoon, Rishi Sunak announced more support for businesses affected by lockdown restrictions.

The UK Government will pay two thirds of wages for workers who are legally unable to attend their jobs due to local lockdown restrictions and forcing the business in which they work, to close.

Prior to the announcement, Mr Drakeford said that Welsh Government had been in contact with the treasury already to "make sure that if there is money that will go to support businesses in England, that that money must be available to support all parts of the United Kingdom."

He added if Welsh Government were to impose restrictions on the hospitality sector, then measures to support those businesses would come from "the same stream of funding that the Chancellor" announced for businesses in England.

Abi Evans owns The New Inn pub in Ystradfellte and she has been forced to close her business because of a lack of customers.

The Inn is on the southern edge of Powys, which is not in local lockdown, but the roads leading out of the village go into neighbouring counties that are - Rhondda Cynon Taf and Neath Port Talbot.

This has meant a huge reduction in footfall to the village. Ms Evans said tourism in the area "has nearly dried up" so it is "not worthwhile" for the business to stay open.

She said that local lockdown restrictions based on county borders are damaging to businesses like hers too, that are not in a locked down area themselves.

Ms Evans has had to put her staff back on furlough.

"It is a worry...we want to make sure we look after our staff," she said.

Speaking before Rishi Sunak's announcement, Ms Evans called for more support for the whole hospitality sector across the UK.

The Chancellor's new scheme covers businesses subject to local lockdown restrictions themselves, which does not include Ms Evans pub at the moment.

The New Inn pub is in the county of Powys but roads leading out of the village lead into ares where local lockdowns are in place. Credit: ITV Wales

Another pub owner said his business has slumped by 70% since local lockdown restrictions came into force.

Rob Burnett said that if things continue the way they are, he may be forced to reduce his opening hours anyway in the next few months. At worst, he may be forced to close completely by Christmas.

He wants clarity on what measures might be imposed on hospitality businesses like his own in the near future.

He said the toll of not knowing what will happen, week by week, has affected his mental health as well as the business itself.