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- Recent hospitality sector restrictions backed by a majority of MSs.
- Concerns over the proportionality of alcohol sale restrictions and contradictions.
- Health Minister says Plaid Cymru and Tories have been briefed on the evidence about the role hospitality plays in Covid-19 transmission.
Originally there was going to be a binding vote on Covid-19 restrictions Tuesday (8th Dec), but due to the technical issues which resulted in the Senedd suspending for the day, it was combined with the Conservative-tabled debate for Wednesday (9th Dec) afternoon on exactly the same topic.
As the binding vote takes precedence (because it actually means something), I’m focusing on that one.
The Motion (Amended/Final Version)
The Senedd:
- Notes the increase in the seven-day rolling incidence rate of coronavirus cases across Wales.
- Further notes the statement by the First Minister on 1st December 2020 which set out new national measures to protect public health and reduce the spread of coronavirus and the £340m package of business support for businesses affected by the new national measures.
- Calls upon the Welsh Government to publish the evidence on which it based its decision to close indoor entertainment venues and for the Welsh Government to make sufficient financial support available to businesses promptly.
According to Health Minister, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth), any gains from the firebreak lockdown have now been lost. There was increasing evidence of the role of hospitality and social gatherings on increasing transmission of Covid-19 and the Conservative and Plaid Cymru health spokespeople have been offered briefings on that evidence.
The Minister didn’t believe extending alcohol sale restrictions to supermarkets was proportionate; the issue was more about behaviour and limiting social contact. The Conservatives have called for what they describe as a “targeted approach” but haven’t set out what they mean by that.
Many of the arguments for and against the restrictions have been well-rehearsed over the last few weeks in the chamber.
The core criticisms include: whether hospitality restrictions are proportionate (i.e. alcohol sale restrictions should be eased); whether they’re fair on businesses in areas with low numbers of new cases; as well as inherent contradictions (i.e. being able to have a non-alcoholic drink with a meal in a restaurant but not an alcohol one).
Several members called for evidence justifying the restrictions to be published – which was approved as a Conservative amendment. Darren Millar MS (Con, Clwyd West) also believed holding binding debates after the regulations had already come into force disrespected the Senedd.
Vote
Angela Burns MS (Con, Carms. W. & S. Pembs.) and Laura Anne Jones MS (Con, South Wales East) voted against the final/amended version.
