A GWYNEDD MS has accused the Welsh Government’s hospitality restart grants of favouring big businesses and has called for greater support for smaller venues.

Plaid Cymru MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor, recently visited the Tu Hwnt i’r Afon Inn in his constituency, a gastro-pub that’s struggled to reopen following numerous lockdowns.

‘The Twnti Pub’, as it’s known to residents in the area, has only recently acquired a new landlord in Cat Beckett, who took over from the previous owners just before the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.

The Welsh Government’s restart grants, aimed to help the hospitality industry to find its feet following the pandemic, is based on the number of staff on the business’ payroll.

Senedd Member Mabon ap Gwynfor believes this approach favours ‘big businesses’, and has called on the Welsh Government to reach out to smaller venues like the Twnti.

He said: “I’d like to congratulate Cat Beckett on successfully getting her business ready for the holiday trade this year, despite the lack of support from the Welsh Government.

“Not only does the Twnti Pub employ local people, it also supports the local supply chain in Rhydyclafdy and the surrounding areas, which in turn supports other businesses and jobs in the area.

“The Welsh Government’s slapdash approach to supporting the hospitality industry bounce-back from the pandemic favours bigger businesses that already have the capacity to employ and retain more staff.

“Smaller businesses, like Cat’s, need better support to survive beyond COVID.”

Cat Beckett added: “Getting the business up and running in time for the summer season has been difficult.

“The Business Rates Support grant the Welsh Government offered at the start of the pandemic helped us weather the difficult period of jumping from lockdown to lockdown.

“Unfortunately, the current restart grant doesn't support smaller businesses like mine to get back on our feet, employ more staff, and begin welcoming locals and holidaymakers back to our pub.

“I now have four full-time and three part-time staff working at the Twnti, but the losses we’ve endured from the lockdowns has made getting back to normal very difficult.

“A little support would go a long way.”

Efforts are being made to contact the Welsh Government for a response.