The Presbyterian Church of Wales has expressed its disappointment at Welsh youth movement Urdd Gobaith Cymru's decision to sell alcohol at the National Urdd Eisteddfod.

In a message to the movement's Chief Executive, Efa Gruffudd Jones, Revd Glyn Tudwal Jones, Clerk of the Church and Society Department, said that "this is not a narrow or negative response, but reflects a genuine concern for our young people, during a time when many of them face the temptation of alcohol and binge-drinking in every town and city throughout Wales."

He continued, saying "The Urdd Eisteddfod is one of the nation's treasures, and earns respect and admiration every year as we listen to and watch the talents possessed by the young people of Wales."

"We urge the Eisteddfod Council to rethink this decision, a decision which could bring much acrimony in future and, as has already been said, tarnish the Urdd's good name as a movement that promotes Welsh culture."

In her response, Ms Jones said that the intention is to "ensure that it is possible to serve alcohol in specific places on the Eisteddfod yr Urdd Field. The plan is to present everything within the context of a food area. We shall not be providing a bar like shows and other festivals do."

The Chief Executive of the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Wynford Elis Owen, said that the Urdd's decision was a "disgrace".

"At a time when 12 million of Britain’s people drink to dangerous levels – with the problem worse in Wales, where it is estimated that more than a quarter of Welsh young people between the ages of 11 and 15 use more alcohol than young people in any other country in Europe within the same age range – the decision is not only insane but irresponsible."