Investment and support needed for Welsh pubs
While facemasks will not be needed in hospitality settings Wales rules still mean they are required on public transport and shops. In England requirements were eased on Monday 19 July.
Scotland is relaxing its rules from today (Monday 9 August) with the collection of test and trace still required, although it confirmed that people can stand at the bar.
The Welsh Beer & Pub Association (WBPA), the trade body representing both brewers and pubs, said the lifting of restrictions should enable over 150 more pubs in Wales to reopen that have remained shut to date because they cannot viably operate under current restrictions.
Investment needed
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.
To do this it is supporting and promoting the Long Live The Local campaign. The campaign is urging the UK Government to invest in the sector so it can drive the economic recovery by reforming VAT, beer duty and business rates, reducing the unfair tax burden pubs and breweries face.
“After nearly 17 months of closure or operating under major restrictions, this is the good news our brewers and pubs in Wales have been waiting for,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the WBPA.
Reopening estimate
“We estimate that some 150 more pubs will be able to reopen from 7 August. These are pubs that were too small to reopen and operate under the restrictions.
“For pubs in Wales, and across the UK, the recovery of our sector is only beginning.”
She reiterated calls that pubs and brewers now needed 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.
