News that pubs in Wales lost an average of £16,000 each as a result of Labour’s latest tough coronavirus restrictions has been branded “an utter travesty” by the Welsh Conservatives.

Hospitality businesses were struggling to stay afloat before Christmas with booking cancellations skyrocketing as a result of omicron concerns, leaving owners out of pocket.

And their suffering continued when Mark Drakeford reintroduced overzealous rules on hospitality with the rule-of-six making a comeback along with the two-metre social distancing rule, and nightclubs were forced to close.

Although the First Minister has announced a gradual easing of rules, the Welsh Conservatives fear irreversible damage has already been done and has once again called for more financial support.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy, Paul Davies MS, said:

“Common sense has finally prevailed, and Labour ministers are gradually lifting their unnecessary restrictions, but the damage has already been done.

“Many business owners fear they will never be able to claw back all of the money they have missed out on because of Labour’s unjustified restrictions.

“This is an incredibly worrying time for our hospitality industry with businesses struggling to make ends meet and jobs hanging in the balance.

“Labour ministers have the money, so there is no excuse for not announcing more financial support to help businesses survive through these dark times.”