Make or break moment for Welsh pubs as we know them

Responding to the announcement that pubs across Wales will be forced to close for two weeks from Friday 23 October, CAMRA Director for Wales Chris Charters said: 

“Our pubs, breweries and cider-makers are still trying to recover from the first lockdown, and have been operating at reduced trade for months and have invested thousands of pounds of their dwindling reserves to make their premises COVID-secure.  

“This announcement of a two-week closure is absolutely devastating news and is a real make or break moment for Welsh beer, cider and pubs. 

“Whilst grants from the Welsh Government are welcome and necessary, many fear that they won’t be enough to pay for both fixed costs and their staff wages as the UK Government’s jobs support scheme doesn’t kick in until next month. 

“The Welsh and UK Governments urgently need to work together to bring forward a comprehensive financial support package to cover this fire-breaker period – and the weeks and months following it to allow businesses to get back on their feet. 

“Without proper compensation we risk seeing pubs, breweries and cider producers closing for good before Christmas.”