Prospect of new restrictions will cause real alarm among Wales' hospitality firms

Press Releases 27 Nov 2020

First Minister signals new coronavirus restrictions for hospitality and entertainment venues

Commenting on the First Minister’s press conference today, Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said:

“Today’s news will come as a significant blow to entertainment firms forced to close and will cause real alarm among hospitality firms facing new restrictions next week.

“Welsh Government has asked more of the hospitality industry than any other during the course of the pandemic, and the sector across Wales is close to being stretched to breaking point.

“For many firms who have dealt with a year of disruption, multiple lockdowns and local restrictions, the run-up to Christmas could have been the last chance for the business to earn enough to remain viable over the winter. This is what was offered by Welsh Government in return for the firebreak lockdown, and has quickly become untenable. It’s also important to note that many businesses will have made significant expenditure decisions based on the assumption that they would be trading over the Christmas period, which puts them at even more of a disadvantage as they face increased restrictions.

“This weekend, we would urge Welsh Government to come forwards with a package of support for firms that reflects the potential heavy loss that they will incur this December, and the weight of the multiple sets of restrictions and the impact that this has already had on their business. We would also urge Welsh Government to bring supply chains into support – there will be breweries, catering companies and other businesses that will have made a significant outlay in preparation for a busy Christmas period and could be just as impacted as hospitality venues themselves.”