New coronavirus restrictions for Wales’ hospitality sector

New restrictions will be imposed on pubs, restaurants and hotels in Wales in the lead up to Christmas.

The restrictions will come into force on Friday, December 4, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed during a Welsh Government coronavirus press briefing.

Cinemas, bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues will have to close as part of the restrictions.

Earlier this week, it was announced that three households would be able to form a bubble for five days over the Christmas period.

Mr Drakeford said more details on the restrictions facing pubs, restaurants and hotels will be announced next week.

It comes amid an increase in coronavirus cases across Wales, which came out of a 17-day ‘firebreak’ lockdown on November 9.

Ben Francis, chair of the Federation of Small Businesses Wales (FSB Wales), called the announcement a “significant blow”.

He said: “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.”

Mr Francis called on Welsh Government to provide a “package of support” for affected businesses.

Plaid Cymru’s shadow transport minister, Helen Mary Jones MS, said: “These additional restrictions come as no surprise. The Labour Welsh Government came out of the firebreak too suddenly – we said so at the time.

“They should have gone for a longer firebreak and chose not to because of economics. It’s now crucial that they ensure mass testing is rolled out in high areas of infection, provide enough economic support for those who have to self-isolate and publish their vaccination plan for Wales.”

Paul Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said the announcement was a “real blow for countless hospitality businesses up and down the country” and added: “We now need to know the details from the Welsh Government because this will create an even more anxious and worrying time for businesses struggling to keep afloat.”