About Eirlys Jones

Eirlys is the Commercial Director at North Wales Tourism and can be contacted at eirlys.jones@gonorthwales.org.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn you can also follow her on Twitter @EirlysJones5

Introduction of new smoke-free requirements legislation

Welsh Government is planning to introduce new smoking legislation in Wales and would like to hear views on bringing the requirements into force on 1 January 2021. Enclosed or substantially enclosed workplaces and premises open to the public will remain largely smoke-free (as they are now) and signs will still need to be displayed. However, there are currently exemptions that allow smoking in self-contained holiday and temporary accommodation and for hotels, guesthouses, inns, hostels and members’ clubs to have smoking bedrooms. These exemptions will be removed 12 months after the legislation comes into force and after that time all of these types of accommodation will have to be smoke-free. https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/introduction-new-smoke-free-requirements-legislation

Self-Employed Income Support Scheme Re-Opens

The scheme has been extended.If you were eligible for the first grant and can confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020, you’ll be able to make a claim for a second and final grant from 17 August 2020. The scheme allows you to claim a second and final taxable grant worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total. As with the first grant HMRC will contact you if you’re eligible. They will work out your eligibility for the second grant in the same […]

Non-Domestic Rates Revaluation for Wales

The next non-domestic rates revaluation in Wales will take effect in 2023 and will be based on property values as at 1 April 2021. Postponing the revaluation to 2023 will mean that the rateable values on which rates bills are based will better reflect the impact of COVID-19. The change will also mean that the next revaluation in Wales takes effect at the same time as that in England, ensuring businesses and other ratepayers in Wales are not placed at a disadvantage compared to those elsewhere. Copy of the written statement is available on the link below: https://gov.wales/written-statement-non-domestic-rates-revaluation-wales

Keeping records of staff, customers, and visitors: test, trace, protect

A change in Coronavirus regulations announced by the Welsh Government, 14 August 2020, has made it obligatory for hospitality businesses and other high-risk settings to collect contact details of customers from Monday, 17 August 2020, rather than the current approach of voluntary participation. The ‘high-risk sectors’ are those already listed in the existing record-keeping guidance: Hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafesTourism and leisure, including theme parks, museums and cinemasClose contact services including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, dress fitters, tailors and fashion designersFacilities provided by local authorities, such as libraries and leisure centres Keep an eye on the following link, the latest guidance will be available […]