Welsh hospitality to face tougher restrictions from 4 December
Restaurants, pubs and hotels across Wales will be subject to tougher coronavirus restrictions ahead of the Christmas period, first minister Mark Drakeford has said.
The rules, which have not yet been finalised, will come into force on Friday 4 December.
Details of the restrictions and a targeted financial support package for the hospitality industry will be announced on Monday.
Drakeford said the measures were necessary as coronavirus cause had "begun to rise again" across Wales, with evidence the R rate was now as high as 1.4.
Speaking at a press conference today, he said he understood the delay would cause "great anxiety" for people, but that he wanted to discuss plans with the hospitality industry over the weekend.
Drakeford said: "I know just how hard the [hospitality] sector has worked to put measures in place to protect the public and I know this will be a worrying time for all those working in the industry.
"That is why this weekend we will be working with partners to finalise the details of the new arrangements and to put in place a further major package of financial support to respond to the challenges and changes faced in that industry."
Hospitality venues in Wales have only been able to reopen since 9 November when the country's 17-day ‘firebreak' lockdown ended.
Cinemas, bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues in Wales will also have to shut ahead of the festive period, though a date for their closure has not been confirmed.
Yesterday the UK government announced which areas in England will fall under which of the tough new tier restrictions from 2 December, which will see the majority of the country enter the highest tiers.
Drakeford said: "We too in Wales need to use the coming weeks to reduce the spread of the virus and create more headroom for the Christmas period. That doesn't mean a return to firebreak arrangements, but the cabinet has agreed to take further specific and targeted action."
Image: Shutterstock
