Welsh venues welcome restrictions lift

Pub and bar operators in Wales have welcomed confirmation that most restrictions on pubs in the country, including social distancing and table service only, have been lifted.

At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others have been removed and all businesses have been able to open. Some protections are still in place, including face coverings being required in most indoor public places.

All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must still carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19.

The Welsh Beer & Pub Association (WBPA) has said the lifting of restrictions should enable over 150 more pubs in Wales to reopen that have remained shut to date because they could not viably operate under previous restrictions.

"Our beloved locals across Wales can now properly reopen and operate as they are meant to do so," says Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the WBPA. "A pint on Saturday is going to taste all the sweeter!"

After nearly 17 months of forced closure or operating under heavy restrictions, the WBPA has warned that investment and support from both the Welsh and UK government in pubs and breweries is now crucial as they begin their recovery.

“Having been one of the worst hit sectors by Covid-19, our pubs and brewers now need the government to invest in them by reforming VAT, beer duty and business rates to reduce the unfair tax burden they face and aid their recovery," adds McClarkin. "We urge people who want to help their local and see it thrive to support the Long Live the Local campaign and sign the petition.”

You may also be interested in…