Latest measures have left staff and customers worried about the long-term impact on the industry
STAFF and customers at pubs in Cathays have criticised new government restrictions on opening times and the sale of alcohol.
Since last Friday, pubs in Wales can only stay open until 6pm and cannot sell alcohol to customers on their premises, although they are able to operate a takeaway alcohol service.
Of the 11 pubs in the Cathays area, 10 have closed completely, while Cathays Beer House, Cryws Road, is not open to customers, but will be selling drinks via takeaway.
At Cathays Conservative Club, Wyeverne Road, some customers are worried about the impact these latest restrictions could have on the club, which has been open since 1891.
John Hicks, 52, who has been a member at the club for over 20 years, said: “With everything that’s gone on this might genuinely close this pub after 100 odd years. The club struggles to survive at the best of times.”
While the government will review the restrictions before December 17, Mr Hicks is worried that they may remain in place over the Christmas period.
Boxing Day is traditionally ‘members day’ at the club, with a party, local entertainment and food for members, but if the restrictions remain in place John worries that the pub may not open for it.
Mr Hicks said: “We look forward to Boxing Day. You see some people that you might not see again for another six months.
“Beer is a celebration, it’s the culture. You celebrate the festive season with beer and food.”
Kyle Harris, 30, manager of Vulcan Lounge, Wyeverne Road, also criticised the government announcement for being short-sighted.
He said: “We’re not going to be opening to sell Panda Pops and paninis. There’s no point. We have been closed more days than we have been open this year. It’s a joke.”
Mr Harris said that financial difficulties have meant that some pubs have needed to use 30% of their weekly income just to cover wages.
Brains Brewery, which manages the Crwys and the Blackweir Tavern in Cathays, made the decision to close all of its pubs in Wales following the new restrictions.
Luke Rose, 26, Team Leader at the Crwys, said: “The hospitality industry is being made a scapegoat. We take track and trace, we use hand sanitiser.
“How come you can open so many non essential shops whereas in a very controlled environment we can’t open?
Mr Rose said that at The Crwys “profit is made through wet sales” (alcohol and soft drinks) because of the student population, which was found to be 70% of people living in Cathays at the 2011 census.
Stonegate Pub Company, which runs Mackintosh, Woodville, Gassy’s and Pen & Wig, all in Cathays, has closed its pubs while the current restrictions are in place.
Cathays Sports & Social Club and Bar 105, both on Cathays Terrace, will also be shut at least until the government reviews the measures.
The Night Time Industries Association, set up to promote the interests of the Uk’s night time industry, has spoken out against the new restrictions.
CEO Michael Kill said: “The impact of the the curfew and cessation of alcohol sales has been catastrophic for the sector.
“The industry has invested heavily in creating safe spaces for businesses to open, to then be confronted with unworkable restrictions, at such an important time of year.
“Although the support from Welsh Government has been very generous, we need to ensure that businesses receive it quickly so they are able to see themselves through the festive period.
“More importantly they need an Exit Strategy so that they can plan financially and communicate effectively with their workforce.”
In a press release, Welsh Government stated that they are making £340m available through the Economic Resilience Fund to support businesses affected by the new changes to the regulations. This will include a specific fund to support hospitality and tourism businesses.
