Bars and restaurants pull up shutters as indoor hospitality returns
Pubs, restaurants and hotels in Northern Ireland have reopened for customers indoors for the first time since Christmas.
A number of mitigations remain in place however, in a bid to ensure the industry can return to trading while the Covid-19 transmission rate stays down.
These include:
- table service only permitted
- a maximum of six people from six households allowed at a table
- up to 10 people from the same household allowed at a table
- contact details of all customers must be taken for contact tracing
- face coverings must be worn when not seated
- music must also be kept at ambient levels
- no dancing, gaming machines or pool allowed to keep customers at tables
While many venues with outdoor capacity have been welcoming people back since April 30, those without that luxury are now returning to trade – some for the first time since the pandemic struck.
They includes The Spaniard in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
A post on its Facebook page said: “In case you haven’t heard, no, we’re not dead, we’re BAAACK! Nearly.
“If Stormont say the right thing we’ll be reopening our little black door on Monday at 3pm.
“We’ll be open Monday to Saturdays 3pm- 1am and Sundays 3pm – midnight. Bring it on.
To mark the day Economy Minister Diane Dodds joined guests Janice Gault of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) and Stephen Meldrum from the Grand Central Hotel at Belfast’s Grand Central for breakfast.
Minister Dodds said: “The last five months have been a difficult time for many of our businesses but hotels, cafes, restaurants and pubs have been hit particularly hard. Reopening all businesses as soon as it is safe to do so is the single biggest driver of economic recovery. There is still more do, however, today marks an important step forward.
“If you are heading out for a bite to eat or a drink, please adhere to the guidance to ensure a safe as well as an enjoyable experience. I would also urge everyone to get both their doses of the vaccine as soon as they are eligible. It saves lives and is vital to our hopes of economic recovery.”
Janice Gault, Chief Executive of the NIHF, added: “Today is a positive one for the hotel, accommodation and wider hospitality sector as it reopens after 150 days of lockdown. Hotels are delighted to be welcoming back guests and taking the first step towards restoring business and rebuilding the economy. The sector is responsible and has significant measures in place to mitigate the risks arising from the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, publican Willie Jack, who owns the Duke of York and the The Harp Bar, confirmed both would be reopening, but not until Thursday, May 27.
A Facebook post said: “It’s with great pleasure that we can confirm we will reopen The Duke of York & The Harp Bar next Thursday, 27th May.
“In the first few weeks, as we find our feet again, we will be opening Thursday to Sunday from 1-7pm.
“Slowly but surely, we will build back towards regular opening hours, alongside the return of live music, which is so central to the experiences we offer.
“We can’t wait to see you again – the reunion will have been worth the wait”.
