Call for clarity on restrictions from Welsh hospitality sector

The sector says uncertainty is also affecting suppliers

Author: Polly OliverPublished 27th Nov 2020

We're waiting to hear whether there will be and changes to Coronavirus restrictions in Wales after 99 percent of England was put into the top two tiers of restrictions by the UK Government yesterday.

Wales has had its own measures in place since our 17-day "Firebreak" lockdown ended earlier this month.

But Welsh Government Ministers have been in discussion about whether those rules may need to be tightened to tie in with the four nations approach to a five-day visiting window over Christmas, which will let members of three households get together indoors.

But the Welsh Independent Restaurant collective says the sector now needs clarity on what new measures will be introduced.

Simon Wright - who also runs Wright's Emporium in Carmarthen - says the suffering is also impacting local Welsh food and drink suppliers:

"There is a whole eco-system that's grown up around local independent restaurants in Wales in terms of suppliers. Everything from craft breweries through to horticulture, to meat etc.

"They're all suffering because we're suffering."

We'll hear from the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford this lunchtime which could give a clearer picture of whether we'll face tighter restrictions in Wales as the festive season approaches.