“…tight-restrictions still expected for pubs, bars and restaurants when the lockdown eases….”
Everyone is now well-aware of the pandemics strain on the hospitality sector. With some businesses forced to have kept their doors closed for almost a year. With tight-restrictions still expected for pubs, bars and restaurants when the lockdown eases, the light at the end of the tunnel may seem very distant for business owners.
Last December 20th, the first minister of Wales placed the Nation into alert level 4. Therefore closing all non-essential shops and hospitality during the busy Christmas period.
This week brings the news that the former Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Plas Bodegroes’ in Gwynedd will be permanently closing its doors as one of the most recent venues to be devastated by the pandemic.
The restaurant was previously a huge success, holding a Michelin star for 14 years, which is still a record in Wales. They have has some famous guests including Demi Moore, Dizzee Rascal, and Anthony Hopkins.
Their legacy will still live on from the talented chefs which have come through the kitchen; Bryn Williams the TV Chef, Steve Stephens now at Sosban and the Old Butchers on Anglesey, and Mark Threadgill, now the head chef at Portmeirion.
However, other businesses in the hospitality sector are calling out for a lifeline. There has been around £450m of support for those affected by lockdown measures until the end of January – but as the likelihood of the lockdown continuing rises, people are asking for more help.
When these businesses re-open, it takes time and money. ‘Business as usual’ will not happen overnight, and money cannot begin being generated straight away. More will have to be put in following a period of closure. Places will have to call out catering engineers Anglesey for equipment servicing and retrain staff to follow new guidelines first.
UKHospitality Cymru, an organisation representing the voice of the industry, explained that an extended lockdown will mean the pubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants Llandudno and across North Wales need new financial support as soon as possible.
Dave Chapman, the organisation’s executive director said “The Welsh Government has worked with us to define and deliver sector-specific help which, with the crucial contributions of furlough, business rates relief and VAT cuts from Westminster, has kept many of our businesses alive.”
“However, our current sector help here in Wales only covered businesses until January 21 and all the signs are next week’s Government three-week review will continue lockdown.“It is possible we will face enforced closures or very limited trading possibly to Easter and even beyond, and with vital Westminster help running out, a serious financial cliff edge is looming large on the horizon.”
It is understood that we will be receiving further updates from the Welsh Governments on extra hospitality for this sector shortly. A spokesperson for the Welsh Gov explained that following any announcements, the government will always consider how best to target funds in order to support businesses and communities.
