Stop Watching Netflix and Go to the Pub, Welsh First Minister Says
Eluned Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, has urged citizens to step away from their screens and support local businesses by visiting pubs and restaurants. Her comments came during a speech in Wales’ parliament, known as the Senedd, where she addressed the pressing challenges facing the hospitality sector.
Urgent Call to Action: Support Local Businesses
– Government Initiative: To assist struggling establishments, the Welsh government has introduced a one-year business rate discount of 15% for pubs, restaurants, cafes, and live music venues.
– Encouraging Public Engagement: Morgan stated that the community must play its part to sustain these venues:
– If people want to see those businesses succeed, they need to use them.
– They need to stop buying things online and go out to the pub.
– Criticism of State Intervention: Responding to criticisms about governmental taxation policies, Morgan emphasized that it’s unreasonable to expect the state to compensate for individual choices not to utilize hospitality services.
Opposition Voices and Concerns
– Critique from Opponents: Opposition leaders have accused Morgan of shifting blame rather than taking accountability for the sector’s struggles:
– Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, labeled the hospitality sector as facing an existential crisis and called for urgent and radical change.
– More Pressure from Welsh Conservatives: Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservative Senedd, pointed out that Morgan has previously blamed external forces like Brexit for Wales’ economic challenges and is now pointing fingers at Welsh citizens and Netflix.
– Welsh Lib Dem Response: Jane Dodds highlighted that many individuals are being compelled indoors by rising costs, rather than choosing streaming services over local businesses.
Comparison to England’s Business Rate Scheme
– Duration of Support: The one-year duration of the Welsh business rate cuts is notably shorter than a similar initiative in England, where pubs will receive a 15% discount starting in April, with rates frozen for an additional two years.
– Economic Pressures: The Welsh government’s move comes after concerns that increasing property valuations have resulted in steep rate hikes for some companies.
Expert Opinions on the Situation
– UKHospitality Cymru Reaction: The trade body welcomed the inclusion of restaurants and cafes in the support scheme but noted that the one-year limit may leave establishments vulnerable to future rate hikes.
– CAMRA Insights: Chris Charters of CAMRA Wales expressed cautious optimism regarding the rate discount but pointed out that revaluation issues could still lead to more pub closures.
Looking Ahead
With elections approaching in just three months, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford acknowledged the real pressures facing hospitality and music venues and expressed hope that the measures would benefit approximately 4,400 businesses.
Morgan’s remarks serve as a reminder for individuals to engage more with their local communities, particularly during these challenging times.
In conclusion, supporting Welsh pubs and restaurants is crucial not only for their survival but also for the broader community. By stepping back from Netflix and heading to your local venue, you can make a significant impact during this crisis.