Nationwide campaign to save pubs from permanent closure

A NATIONWIDE campaign which aims to save pubs in Wales has been launched in response to fears that many will go permanently out of business unless they can open by Easter.

The campaign, led by the Countryside Alliance, follows revelations in a recent survey of pub landlords that a staggering six in 10 believe they will go out of business if lockdown restrictions are not sufficiently lifted until the summer.

If pubs are forced to remain closed into the summer months, the campaign urges the government to provide these struggling businesses with increased financial support to ensure their future survival.

Landlords also revealed that they had spent staggering sums – between £1,000 – £5,000 on installing features designed to comply with and aid COVID-19 safety guidance: including outdoor heaters, hand sanitising stations and personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, in the hope of being able to re-open.

The campaign has three asks, which it hopes the Welsh Government will consider urgently:

Offer a practical road map for pubs and the hospitality industry at large to help them realistically prepare for when they can resume trading again;

If pubs are forced to remain closed into the summer, they should be provided with increased financial support; and

The Welsh Government should argue for VAT to remain at 5% until at least 2022 for the hospitality industry.

Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance Director for Wales, said: “While it has been right to be cautious, pubs and the hospitality industry at large, need to be trading again soon.

“Pubs should be allowed to plan for re-opening safely and not be held back by unnecessary regulations.”