Welsh entry charge

Wales is considering the size of admission charge to impose on tourists. Foreign examples cited by its government suggest this could set back a family of holidaymakers £75. No turnstiles will be fixed on Offa’s Dyke but tax on tourists’ bills will be paid before they leave. Maybe cars will be wheel-clamped or domestic pets impounded to ensure payment. Who knows? But there is a serious point. Cities impose congestion charges intended to reduce pollution by deterring motorists. By the same logic an obvious consequence of a tourist tax would be a reduction in tourists. This might make it nicer and less crowded for the determined who have saved up to visit the beautiful principality. But it will hit small businesses and most likely too the bureaucraticminded government that wants to raise such taxes.