Commenting on the latest review of coronavirus restrictions in Wales, Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said:
“There is very welcome news in the announcement today for many more businesses in Wales.
“The confirmation that pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars can open indoors from Monday marks a significant step forwards for Wales’ economic recovery and for the businesses concerned. We’d now urge people to consider how they can support small firms as reopening continues. Whether that be on the high street, whilst on day trips or on a short break in Wales, or through eating and drinking out. The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme runs throughout August and is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to eat and drink out to support small hospitality businesses as they reopen.
“FSB is also pleased to see that swimming pools, gyms and indoor play centres can reopen from the 10th August. These are some of the businesses that have waited the longest to reopen, and have shouldered significant financial impacts as a result.
“As we move through the second half of the summer, we hope to see these firms given every opportunity to reopen safely and successfully. You can only reopen once, and for businesses to have the best chance possible of remaining profitable, retaining staff and returning to their pre-coronavirus levels, the process of reopening must be as smooth as possible. This means supporting businesses to innovate and to look at how they can be both safe and sustainable.”