Concerns alcohol ban will lead to an increase in gatherings at home

Concerns have been raised over Welsh Government’s decision to ban the consumption of alcohol in pubs, restaurants and cafes, with critics saying it will lead to more people meeting up at home.

The new restrictions, which come into effect at 6pm on Friday, December 4, will also see pubs, restaurants and cafes forced to close by 6pm each day.

Regional Senedd Member for South Wales East, Laura Anne Jones, said she “totally understands” the need to get the infection rate down, but argued the measures would not be an “effective weapon against the spread of the virus”.

The Conservative Senedd Member told Caerphilly Observer: “Pubs and restaurants have made great efforts to keep customers safe by enforcing social distancing, using hand sanitisers and keeping contact details for track and trace.

“Now they are being penalised as people will buy their alcohol in supermarkets and drink at home, possibly in numbers that exceed Welsh Government guidelines with the risk of spreading the virus.”

Ms Jones added: “I am calling on the Welsh Government to look again at these unfair and very damaging restrictions.”

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday, December 4, Mark Drakeford said the difficult decision was taken after reviewing tier 3 restrictions in England, as well as the total alcohol ban and 6pm closing rules in place in Scotland.

Mr Drakeford said evidence showed the circulation of the virus had shrunk in these examples.

However, some who work in the hospitality sector say closing pubs and banning alcohol will make consumption unregulated.

Mair Arthur, landlady of the White Cross pub in Groeswen, told Caerphilly Observer: “Closing pubs will make two things happen. Some people will drink alone at home, which isn’t good for their wellbeing, and you’ll have uncontrolled meeting up in people’s homes.

“Our pub is a much safer environment than somebody’s house as we have a maximum capacity, regular cleaning and table service. This just does not happen in people’s homes.

“We are doing everything we can to look after people and I just cannot understand this decision.”

Caerphilly’s Senedd Member, Hefin David, said the decision has been made “to contain the spread of the virus before Christmas and save lives”.

He said: “The decision taken by the Welsh Government is based on the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and was taken to model the English Tier 3 approach and the approach taken in Scotland.

“In tier 3 areas in England, there was negative growth rate after the introduction of tiers and restrictions.

“The Welsh Government has also introduced restrictions on mixing between households and it is vital that people adhere to these in order to prevent further spread.”

Gwent Police have not confirmed whether there will be an increase in resources to target people gathering in other people’s homes.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “For those that knowingly go against these restrictions, we will take enforcement action.

“Over the Christmas period, we will continue working with our local authority partners to protect and reassure the communities of Gwent.”