Matt said: “Pubs are part of our national identity. They are the People’s Parliaments.
“A thriving pub culture is at the heart of our society and a powerful antidote to social isolation.
“This is yet another out-of-touch Cardiff Bay policy, unsupported by evidence, that unfairly stigmatises local pubs.”
Matt also signalled his concern for landlords and staff “left in the lurch” by the Welsh Government’s surprise move.