Charlie Evans, the Conservative candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd at the Senedd Election 2021, is calling on the Welsh Government to ditch the ban on pubs selling alcohol following a visit to Aberdyfi.

Mr Evans visited the Gwynedd seaside town to see how the village is doing since the Welsh Government’s latest hospitality measures came into effect.

Following the visit last Thursday, Charlie Evans said Aberdyfi should not be subject to the same restrictions as Covid hotspots in South Wales.

“Aberdyfi is a high tourism coastal resort so in December it is expected to be quieter than the summer,” he said.

“But speaking to local residents, it was clear that Aberdyfi is much quieter than normal. All the pubs were closed rendering them unprofitable to open.”

He added: “Due to the hard work of the people of Gwynedd, Covid-19 is under control and is the safest county in Wales.

“To have the same level of restrictions in Covid hotspots like Neath Port Talbot, and in Aberdyfi and Gwynedd is ludicrous.

“If Gwynedd was following a tiered system, it would be in Tier 1. I am calling on the Welsh Labour Government to end the beer ban to allow pubs, restaurants and cafes to sell alcohol, in a Covid-secure way.

“Hospitality businesses are at the heart of local communities and help prevent social isolation and loneliness too.”

Looking to the New Year, he said: “With vaccines being rolled-out, it’s vital we plan and look to the future. I am determined to see Gwynedd’s hospitality bounce-back from the pandemic strongly.

“I will be working with the entire sector to form a Hospitality Recovery Plan at the beginning of the new year, which I invite all hospitality businesses across Dwyfor Meirionnydd to take part in.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Coronavirus is a deadly virus that thrives wherever people are in close contact with others. There is also growing evidence that peoples’ behaviour and their perception of risk can change when consuming alcohol – this may lead to a reduction in social distancing and other behaviours than increase the chance of the virus spreading.”“We know these are incredibly difficult times for businesses across Wales - that’s why we have provided an extra £340m to help all those affected by the latest restrictions. We will do all we can to support our businesses.”