UKHospitality Cymru calls for clarity over Welsh 'Freedom Day'

UKHospitality Cymru is calling on the Welsh government to lift the remaining restrictions on hospitality and give visitors a “simple and clear” message about staying safe.

Wales still has no set date for ending coronavirus rules despite England aiming for ‘Freedom Day’ on 19 July and Scotland hoping to relax restrictions on 9 August.

It means Welsh nightclubs are still unclear on when they will be allowed to open and licensed premises are limited to table service and must space tables out to allow social distancing.

The Welsh government’s next review on the issue is due on 15 July.

UKHospitality Cymru executive director David Chapman called on ministers to help businesses manage “the huge influx of summer visitors”.

“On 19 July we’re expecting England to fully open up and from that moment we need to make sure visitors to Wales are welcomed with a set of simple directions about how to stay safe and enjoy their holiday while they are here,” he said.

“Welsh government ministers are suggesting we have to now learn to live with the virus; it’s time to make it simple and easy for those looking to take their first restriction-free break in 18 months.

“We don’t want hospitality workers to be at the receiving end of visitor confusion, disappointment or annoyance about what can or can’t be done; let’s make it as straightforward as possible.

“Open up now, stay savvy and stay safe. They should be the watchwords of the new normal of living with Covid-19 in Wales in a post-vaccine environment.”

Wales has historically been slower to announce reopening dates than England, leaving some hospitality owners frustrated at losing bookings to competitors across the border.

On 30 June the Welsh government announced a “final package of emergency support”, with up to £25,000 available to businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions.

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