The Welsh Government announced the support package on 3 February, following months of pressure from businesses, industry bodies and local leaders who warned that Welsh pubs and restaurants were being left behind compared with support available in England.
Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the move would offer “meaningful, immediate” help for venues battling rising costs.
“We welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to provide a 15% reduction in business rates for hospitality businesses,” he said.
“While the sector continues to face real cost pressures, this measure represents a necessary and targeted response, and it will provide meaningful, immediate transitional support for restaurants, pubs and live music venues across Swansea.”
Douglas said the decision followed sustained lobbying from Swansea businesses.
“This reflects the strength of the case consistently put forward on behalf of the city’s businesses. Through Swansea BID, and by working closely alongside the CBI, we have been clear about the challenges facing Swansea’s hospitality sector and the need for targeted relief. I’m pleased those representations have been listened to.”
CAMRA: “Pubs still face closure”
But the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has warned that the relief does not go far enough to protect Welsh pubs already on the brink.
CAMRA has repeatedly said that a 15% discount still leaves Welsh venues at a disadvantage compared with England, where hospitality businesses receive 75% rates relief. The group has warned that without stronger support, more pubs will shut their doors in the coming months.
In recent weeks, Swansea Bay News has reported on a string of closures and near‑misses across the region, including two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants shutting on the same day and the collapse of Swansea’s Founders & Co before a last‑minute rescue.
Sector still under pressure
Hospitality leaders say the new Welsh Government package is welcome but only a temporary fix for a sector hit by rising energy bills, higher supplier costs and fragile consumer spending.
The relief will apply from April, covering the 2025/26 financial year.
