North Wales MS calls for introduction of English tier system after criticising restrictions in Conwy

A Senedd Member has called for Wales to introduce the same type of coronavirus tier system as England.

The request was made by Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders, who said hospitality businesses in Conwy county were being disproportionately impacted by the latest restrictions to slow the spread of Covid-19.

It has resulted in restaurants, pubs and bars being banned from selling alcohol and having to close at 6pm after new measures were introduced across Wales on Friday, with only takeaways and deliveries allowed after that time. Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions have also been required to close completely.

The Conservative MS raised figures which show that between 28 November and 4 December 2020, the county of Conwy recorded 62.3 cases per 100,000, compared to 621.7 in Neath Port Talbot.

During a Senedd plenary session held today, she said a tiered system would be more suitable so firms in the area aren’t left at a disadvantage.

In England, the UK Government’s latest rules have created a three-tier system with increasing restrictions depending on the designated alert level.

Ms Finch-Saunders said: “If we had had a tiered system in place, as in England, Conwy would be in tier one.

“How do you address and will you act on the hundreds of calls from both constituents and those in business for a Welsh tiered system?

“And can you explain how it is even considered balanced or proportionate for Conwy to be subjected to the same regs as Neath Port Talbot?

“My final point is that lots of those in the hospitality industry are very concerned now about the restrictions between 17 December and over the Christmas period, as to whether they will be able to trade as normal and serve alcohol with their food.

“Did I hear you correctly earlier that these restrictions will be lifted on the 17th, allowing the hospitality businesses, and pubs and restaurants and things, to be able to go back to business as normal?”

First Minister Mark Drakeford responded by stating that the restrictions will not be lifted on December 17, but would instead be reviewed on that date.

He said the review would need to take into account that the latest figures for Conwy as of today stand at 73.4 cases for every 100,000 people.

Mr Drakeford said that Conwy would therefore not be placed in tier one in any system, with the number rising every day.

He said: “Over 120 people have lost their lives in the member’s constituency as a result of coronavirus.

“The positivity rate in her local authority area is over five per cent today.

“This government will be focused on the public health emergency and why the actions we are taking will save lives in Conwy and every other part of Wales.

“I won’t be focused, as the member is, on other—and in that context more peripheral—issues.”

He continued: “The position in her constituency is getting worse by the day.

“That’s what she needs to recognise and it would be very good indeed to have her support, on behalf of her constituents, for the measures that are necessary to protect their lives.”