The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (2 July) urged the First Minister to explain the Welsh Government’s reasoning behind its uneven reopening of cafes and restaurants, which she described as ‘pillars of the North Wales economy.’

Her interventions came as the Welsh Government announced that the nation’s pubs and restaurants can open for outdoor trade from July 13. Mrs Finch-Saunders has now submitted a Written Question to Mark Drakeford, which asks:

Will the First Minister provide the scientific evidence which showed that, as of 29 June 2020, it was safe for children to be sat in a classroom eating lunch but unsafe for individuals to be sat eating in a restaurant?

Speaking of the situation faced by many local traders, Janet said:

“It is disappointing that I must keep pressing the Welsh Government to consider the impact of their restrictions on the hospitality sector

“Whilst I welcome today’s announcement to allow outside trade, it is most questionable that the Welsh Government’s approach to reopening now allows our children to gather and eat in schools, but prevents adults from sitting in a restaurant where the correct safety precautions can be taken.

“The tourism offer throughout Aberconwy is marked by a raft of wonderful cafes and restaurants, using Welsh ingredients which greatly benefits local producers. These pillars of the North Wales economy are anxious to play their part in helping the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mark Drakeford’s administration must urgently follow the UK Government’s lead and set out a timetable for enabling indoor trade. Their continued inaction on this issue is costing jobs and livelihoods.”

ENDS

Photo: Katlyn Gibers/UnSplash