Call for ‘roadmap’ to end remaining hospitality restrictions
Speaking after the Executive announcement, Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill said: “A major strategic decision needs to be taken by the executive to bring forward a detailed and specific roadmap to address the problems that are gathering on the horizon – if not now, when?”
“Hospitality businesses are left hanging while restrictions continue to place a halt on viable trading. We need the best chance we can get to recover.”
Other changes to hospitality that were agreed by ministers include people being allowed to play pool, darts and gaming machines while dancing will also be allowed at weddings and civil partnership receptions.
The requirement to purchase tickets in advance of live performances will be removed, as will the need for audience members to have allocated seats.
‘Incremental changes’
However, while the legal requirement for social distancing outdoors no longer exists in Northern Ireland, indoor premises including restaurants and workplaces are still required to comply with at least 1m (3ft).
Responding to what he called “incremental changes”, Colin Neill added: “This is a sector that, pre-pandemic, sustained 72,000 – the fourth largest private sector employer. This must be a code red priority for the Executive. Where is the plan; the roadmap; the dates; the additional interim support?
“We have been pressing Executive Ministers to engage with our sector, and work in partnership with us to ensure that urgency is injected into the recovery phase.
“They might not want to hear it, but we are now on the cusp of the Christmas planning period for the sector and we do not need another disaster on our hands. We need a reasonable timeframe set out to guide us on how we can make the most of a vital part of the year for the whole industry.”
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