Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament Angela Burns MS has expressed concern that the Welsh Government’s announcement surrounding the limited reopening of hospitality outlets may result in many local pubs and restaurants going out of business.

The Welsh Government announced on Thursday that in Wales, the two-metre social distancing rule will remain and that hospitality businesses will only be allowed to operate in the open air.

Additionally businesses will be encouraged to take bookings for customers wishing to eat or drink in their venues.

The announcement was made at the same time as the Welsh Government declared that self-catering holiday facilities would be able to open two days earlier than originally planned.

Wales remains the only UK nation where no date has been announced for the reopening of indoor hospitality venues.

Commenting Angela said: “The announcements have added to the frustration and anger within the hospitality sector.

“On one hand the Welsh Government has bowed to public pressure and brought forward the dates that self-catering provision can reopen, but on the other, it has dashed the hopes of many pub and restaurant owners who were hoping to start offering their services, in a Covid-friendly way, to customers by July 13.

“Pub and restaurant owners have been busy making adaptations to ensure their businesses comply with the new health and safety regulations only to learn that they will be limited to just reopening their beer gardens and outdoor areas.

“For many outlets this will not allow enough customers to make reopening commercially viable, whilst others may face challenges surrounding the accessing of beer gardens, or access to toilet facilities.

“It is likely that extra staff will be required, but estimates show that on average customer numbers will be reduced by 75 per cent due to the restrictions that will be in place.

“Like many businesses, pubs and restaurants have had to go into hibernation for the last four months and have taken major financial hits.

“With more visitors likely to visit the area in coming weeks, it is vital that we enable these businesses to get back up and running to secure their long term future.

“We need to welcome visitors back to West Wales and enable them to enjoy the area whilst complying with social distancing regulations.

“The refusal of the Welsh Government to listen to the industry may see numerous businesses face financial ruin as well as signalling to visitors that Wales has not fully reopened for business.

“I urge the Minister and the Welsh Government to reconsider their restrictive regulations as a matter of urgency and provide some hope to our struggling hospitality sector and the many customers who are looking forward to returning to their local pub or restaurant,” she added.