(Title Image: Pixabay, copyright free)
A summary of this afternoon’s questions to Economy & Transport Minister, Ken Skates (Lab, Clwyd South) – dominated by current restrictions on the hospitality sector. There’ll be a separate debate on those restrictions later this afternoon (more on that tomorrow).
Shadow Economy Minister, Russell George MS (Con, Montgomery), asked for an assessment of the impact hospitality sector restrictions are having on the Welsh economy. Many businesses bent over backwards to comply with what’s been asked of them, but many smaller businesses will go to the wall if restrictions aren’t lifted over the important Christmas period.
Businesses need clarity on the current line of thinking so they can either plan to reopen and order the necessary stock, or otherwise remain closed. He also had concerns over the length of time it would take for businesses to receive support payments (said to be as late as January) as well as the one-size-fits-all national approach, which is unfair on businesses located in areas with low Covid-19 rates.
The Minister recognised the difficult position businesses find themselves in, but an “unprecedented” support package has been made available and every restriction could potentially save lives. He clarified that at least some of the support payments will be made during December with additional payments in January.
Helen Mary Jones MS (Plaid, Mid & West Wales) understood the need for public health to be put front and centre. However, many hospitality businesses couldn’t understand the reasoning behind the restrictions which were causing seeming contradictions – like continued supermarket alcohol sales whilst pub sales are banned, possibly pushing people towards house parties.
Citing another hypothetical example, how was four people meeting for lunch more dangerous than four people meeting for a pint at the end of the working day? Would consideration, therefore, be given to easing restrictions on alcohol sales rather than the current outright ban in pubs?
The Minister told members that every possible amendment to restrictions is being considered, but this will be based on advice from health experts. He would’ve hoped to have had more to say on the economic recovery strategy by now, but the emphasis should remain on emergency business support.
As for the public, we should all take personal responsibility so that we don’t put ourselves or anyone else at risk.
