Dwyfor Meirionnydd pub owners want more notice of changes to coronavirus regulations.

That was the message from 14 local licensees who met with MP Liz Saville Roberts earlier today.

The meeting was organised by the MP following the latest restrictions preventing pubs from selling alcohol and forcing them to close at 6pm.

Concerns were raised that there wasn’t enough notice of the changes, and questions asked about the evidence behind the decision to close pubs at teatime and ban the sale of alcohol.

Speaking after the meeting Liz Saville Roberts said: “Present Covid regulations are to be reviewed on 17 December.

“We have all seen how Covid-19 is on the rise again in much of Wales after the short autumn firebreak was lifted a month ago.

“Business owners want to play their part in bringing this health crisis to an end.

“What I heard repeatedly from publicans was how frustrating it was for hospitality businesses to pick up rumours about forthcoming announcements, but then to have to wait until the last minute for an official statement with only a couple of days’ notice.

“Welsh Government must improve clarity and communication, and, more than anything, businesses are desperate to be convinced that there’s a plan in place to get from December to the spring season.

“Pubs, hotels and restaurants are major employers, especially in rural areas such as Dwyfor Meirionnydd, and the state of on-going uncertainty affects not only businesses but also staff and their families.

“Many pubs and restaurants have put robust health measures in place, and, unlike supermarkets, operate track and trace systems.

“I will be working with Senedd Member colleagues to press for proper notice of changes to regulations and to raise questions about the evidence behind the pub alcohol ban.”

Plaid Cymru Senedd candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Mabon ap Gwynfor added: “The hospitality sector is crying out for clarity. The void of information leaves uncertainty, and that is bad for business.

“These businesses need to know whether they need to order or offload stock; their staff need to know if they need to prepare for work, or childcare. Lives are being put on hold because of this uncertainty which is damaging.

“The government needs to be brave and make their intentions clear. If these businesses are to close for a longer period, then tell them in good time and ensure that the funds are there to make up for their losses.

“These businesses are key local employers, and their bread and butter is the local trade, therefore they have a keen interest in ensuring the wellbeing of residents as well.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have looked at all the evidence about what interventions work. A recent paper by the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has analysed the interventions taken in the UK and concluded the measures in Scotland’s level three and England’s tier three are effective. Many of these are already in place in Wales.“As cases of coronavirus accelerate in Wales and erode the gains made through the firebreak, we are strengthening the national measures in place in Wales, in line with the evidence of what works. We are adding a new set of targeted restrictions in the hospitality sector and in indoor entertainment and visitor attractions to the national measures to protect people’s health and save lives.“Coronavirus thrives wherever people come into close contact with other people, especially for a prolonged period. We know that as the consumption of alcohol increases, social distancing and the perception of risk decreases. Wherever people mix, there’s a risk of coronavirus being passed on.“If we are to be successful in keeping coronavirus under control, we need everyone to think about their own lives and reduce their contact with other people as much as possible.”The spokesperson added: “Ministers are taking decisions at a rapid pace to respond to a major global public health emergency. Their decisions are communicated to stakeholders and to the people of Wales as quickly as possible – wherever possible we aim to give people and businesses as much notice as we can.”