Hospitality sector calls on Welsh Government for support
In a letter to the Senedd, the trade body highlights the scale of the crisis facing the sector, and proposes measures to safeguard and support the 140,000 directly employed in hospitality across Wales.
The so-called 'fire-break' lockdown, which began on 23 October and is set to run until at least 9 November, means all hospitality businesses in Wales must effectively close, but are still able to offer takeout and delivery.
UKHospitality Cymru's letter calls for extended and sustained emergency support to ensure that businesses survive the winter, with particular concern for businesses who are unable to access grant support due to their rateable values exceeding £51,000.
The trade body has also urged the Welsh Government to ensure that restrictions are imposed for no longer than is absolutely necessary, with a clear roadmap for businesses beyond 9 November, to allow them to plan.
The Welsh Government has been called upon to revisit its travel ban and review the 10pm curfew, as well as reconsider the two-metre social distancing measures and ban on households mixing.
“The package of restrictions currently in place is having a hugely debilitating effect on Welsh hospitality businesses," says UKHospitality Cymru executive director David Chapman.
“We fully understand the need to control the spread of the virus and promote public health. Hospitality businesses have spent time and money to make their venues safe for customers, and we are happy to take the necessary steps to keep customers safe.
“We need help to do that and businesses need support to survive this winter and keep jobs secure. We do not want businesses that can do so much to help rebuild the Welsh economy next year, to be unintended victims of measures designed to keep communities safe.”
