Swansea BID welcomes new rates relief — but CAMRA warns support still falls short for struggling pubs

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

CAMRA warns Welsh pubs still face closure despite new business rates relief
Pub campaigners say temporary support is not enough to protect venues under pressure.

Welsh Government announces new rates relief for pubs and restaurants
Ministers unveil a 15% discount following concerns over the gap with England.

Swansea councillor warns Welsh pubs risk being left behind
Local leaders say the sector needs stronger, long‑term support.

Founders & Co saved as new owner steps in after collapse
A major Swansea venue is rescued after its parent company goes under.

Swansea’s Founders & Co owner to file for administration
The city’s hospitality sector faces fresh uncertainty as another operator hits trouble.

Two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants close on the same day
Customers share heartbreak as more local venues shut their doors.

Swansea University ditches disposable cups as new reusable scheme hits campus

The 2GoCup system, already used by cafés and businesses across Swansea city centre, has now launched in several university catering outlets in a bid to cut waste and push students and staff towards greener habits.

The scheme, delivered by Swansea BID in partnership with Swansea Council, lets customers pay a small deposit for a sturdy reusable cup, which can be returned for a refund or swapped for a clean one at any participating venue.

University officials say early feedback has been “really positive”, with hopes the scheme will become part of everyday campus life.

Ben Lucas, Associate Director of Commercial Services at Swansea University, said the move was about “embedding sustainability into daily routines” and encouraging people to ditch disposables.

Mr Lucas said:

“We’re delighted to introduce the 2GoCup scheme across parts of our campus and to see such a positive response from staff and students.

“Small everyday actions can make a big difference, and this initiative supports our ambition to embed sustainability into daily routines while reducing waste.

“We hope this will encourage even more people to choose reusable options and play their part in creating a greener future.”

The university’s rollout follows the scheme’s growing popularity in the city centre, where businesses including Socialdice / Pieminister, Little Man Coffee at Founders, The Storyteller, First Call Coffee, The Cwtch, The Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and two Jenkins Bakery shops have already signed up.

Local employers such as Swansea.com, Morgans Hotel and Peter Lynn and Partners have also bought reusable cups for staff.

Swansea Council says the scheme supports its ambition to become a net zero city by 2050, with Cllr Andrea Williams calling it a “practical way” to cut waste and keep communities cleaner.

Cllr Williams, who is the council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation said:

“The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single-use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping our communities cleaner and supporting local businesses.

“We’re proud to help fund this initiative and welcome Swansea University’s involvement in helping drive positive behaviour change.”

Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the early response on campus shows the city is “leading the way on sustainability”, adding that more organisations are expected to join in the coming months.

Mr Douglas said:

“Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and it’s fantastic to see both our city centre businesses and Swansea University leading the way on sustainability.

“The 2GoCup model makes it simple for people to make greener choices without any added hassle, and the early response on campus has been really encouraging.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum over the coming months as more organisations come on board.”

The 2GoCup model was created by an Irish start‑up in 2018 and has since expanded across the UK and Ireland. The cups are BPA‑free, designed for repeated use and fully recyclable at the end of their life.

Swansea nightlife retains Purple Flag accreditation for 11th year

Swansea Council say the sought-after Purple Flag accreditation is a recognition of a commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night-time economy.

The council says the award highlights Swansea’s blend of entertainment, dining and culture – all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and night-time economy.

Assessors said that key successes in Swansea’s submission included the “outstanding” Help Point, a specialist city centre treatment facility providing care to vulnerable people who require treatment as a result of accidents or injuries and the strong partnership commitment and enthusiasm for Purple Flag.

A well-staffed CCTV room with high-resolution cameras covering key areas of the city and excellent communication between partners in the evening and night-time economy was also cited by assessors.

Partners involved in the management of Swansea’s evening and night-time economy include various departments at Swansea Council, Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), South Wales Police, British Transport Police, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner of South Wales, Mid & West Wales Fire Service, Swansea Street Pastors, Swansea Hospitality Forum and Pub and Club Watch, St John Ambulance Cymru, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, many city centre businesses and Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Purple Flag status reaffirms that Swansea city centre is a vibrant and viable place that keeps visitors coming back for more.

“We’re delighted to be flying the flag once again. 

“The partnership works hard on keeping people safe – and this means that great initiatives can flourish so everyone has a great time out in a safe environment.

“The city’s council-driven £1bn regeneration is strengthening Swansea’s appeal, with fantastic improvements including the new arena and transformed Albert Hall.

“There’s much more to come, including a greener, more welcoming Castle Square Gardens.”

Andrew Douglas, manager of Swansea BID, said: “At Swansea BID, we work tirelessly in collaboration with the council, police, venues and others to ensure visitors can enjoy Swansea’s brilliant food and drink venues safely. 

“Our taxi and night marshals are an integral part of the city’s night-time economy, and the Pubwatch scheme we facilitate with the venues was something that impressed the judges.”

South Wales Police head of community and partnerships Mark Kavanagh, said: “Swansea retaining its Purple Flag status for another year is excellent news and reflects the scale of the work being carried out by the Safer Swansea Partnership.

“Initiatives such as the Swansea Help Point, the student volunteers, and vulnerability awareness training, together with a consistent and reassuring police presence, all helps to make sure that people visiting Swansea and enjoying the available nightlife, are kept as safe as possible.

“South Wales Police is committed to tackling substance use, violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the city, and we cannot achieve this without the help and support of our partners and the public.”

There are 90 Purple Flag destinations across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia.

Locations range from world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Purple Flag has represented the gold standard evening and night-time economy management for nearly 15 years.

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