[ad_1]
The popular Welsh bar chain Bar 44 has announced that they will be closing all of their locations in Wales indefinitely.
Owner Owen Morgan said with “regret” that they will be closing all of their sites in Wales from 6pm on Friday, following Prime Minister Mark Drakeford’s ban on selling alcohol in pubs and restaurants.
The closure includes Bar 44 and Asador 44 in the capital, and its stores in Cowbridge and Penarth. Your online store will remain open.
The new rules mean that all cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close at 6 p.m. and will not be able to sell alcohol at any time as part of the new measures to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Drakeford on Monday. You can follow live updates on that here and read the full speech here.
(Image: Daily Post Wales)
In a statement on Twitter, Owen said his venues simply wouldn’t be viable if they couldn’t sell alcohol.
He said: “It is very strong that we have to close all of our Wales based sites this Friday at 6pm. Bristol will also remain closed because it is entering England’s Tier 3.”
“We are not sure when we will be allowed to reopen again. We have spent the last three days analyzing all the scenarios, taking into account what we are and are not allowed to do.
“Ultimately, this is an economic decision to try to safeguard the future of our company, our huge team, our families.
“We have not invested 20 years of our blood, sweat and tears in this, to let it go now. We have much more to do, with goals and aspirations untarnished. We need to be here on the other side.”
“With Covid continuing to impose new and increasingly difficult trade restrictions on us, the only right option for us is to go back into hibernation.”
He added: “Alcohol sales account for 50% of our revenue, and we would still have to cater to restaurants with the same number of chefs and reception staff. Our capacity is also down 40% due to the 2 meter distance in Wales – that still applies.
“Therefore, if we continue to trade, it would be irresponsible for us as leaders to put ourselves in an unviable business situation. We would be bleeding more money than we don’t have.”
He said “99% of the hospitality industry is on its knees and on the brink.”
Bar 44 encouraged customers to visit its online store where “they will refocus their efforts and focus.”
It said, “No matter what life throws in the past, present, or future, we are determined to face it head-on. We wish everyone the best Christmas possible.
“Be nice to everyone, make a difference to people, no matter the circumstances.”
[ad_2]
