The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (01 December) used a contribution to highlight the concerns of local residents about the impact of new Welsh hospitality restrictions on the constituency, in response to a statement by the First Minister.
Mrs Finch-Saunders has called for Conwy to be made exempt from the restrictions, given the County has one of the lowest infection rate in Wales. Between 20 and 26 November, Wales as a whole had 211.3 cases per 100,000 whilstConwy County had 19.6. On Sunday, Conwy County had a rate of 6 per 100,000.
Following the announcement of the restrictions, which includes a ban on alcohol sales in hospitality settings, the First Minister has been barred from more than 100 pubs in North Wales for at least 18 months. The move was announced in an open letter penned by the West Conwy Pubwatch group, with organisers saying that more than 300 hospitality businesses have said they would lend their support to the move.
Commenting following her statement, Janet said:
“Today, I asked the Welsh Government to explain how clamping further restrictions on the hospitality sector in Conwy is actually going to improve the local infection rate, especially when you consider that there currently exists no evidence that this vital sector is a problem.
“Since no explanation could be provided, these arbitrary and disproportionate rules must be removed. Our businesses deserve better.
“The low incident rate in Conwy is a credit to all the personal sacrifices that many residents have made over recent weeks and months. The data proves that their efforts were not in vain, having a net positive impact and helping to save lives. And yet, their reward for adherence is draconian punishment.
“Given the shambles of delivery that was ERF Phase Three, where the business development grant closed a mere twenty-four hours after it was opened, I also asked for a statement on how funding support will be delivered. It cannot be right that some businesses are being made to wait until January 2021 toreceive funds under the proposed restriction scheme.
“The First Minister told the nation that “the restrictions will be strengthened to focus on places where we meet and where coronavirus thrives.” It is clear that he has taken the decision to deliberately ignore this commitment when putting these rulings together, and it is little wonder that local publicans have taken the unprecedented step of banning him from their premises.
“Welsh Labour have repeatedly ignored calls, even in writing from the Leader of Conwy County Council, for regional variations to be taken into account. Instead, they are charging forward with a regrettable policy decision which will decimate Christmas trade for the hospitality and leisure sector in Conwy, ignoring requests by businesses to be empowered to trade.”
ENDS
Photo:Janet Finch-Saunders MS
