‘Drink only’ pubs set to re-open

‘Drink only’ pubs set to re-open

Around 600 traditional pubs in Northern Ireland that had been waiting for the green light to re-open have been told that they can now do so on September 23.

The so-called ‘wet pubs’ were originally told that they could begin trading again on September 21, but that date has been pushed back slightly to allow regulations around enforcement for the industry to be drawn up.

A series of mandatory requirements for the re-opening has now been agreed by the Executive. These include table service only, no dancing in venues, a maximum of six people from any number of households seated at a table and face coverings for customers as they enter and leave the bar.

Welcoming the confirmation that the re-opening would go ahead, Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said that short, additional delay was acceptable if it helped establish a Covid-secure environment.

He added, however:

‘We do not underestimate the scale of the challenges ahead. First and foremost, the health and wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider public will be the priority for all publicans. We have provided detailed guidance in this respect and will continue to engage with the NI Executive and the statutory bodies to ensure compliance of the new regulations right across the industry. Nobody should be in any doubt that the hospitality sector locally is taking Covid-19 seriously.’

He also pointed out that the nature of the new restrictions did mean that there would be some venues which couldn’t re-open their doors. Mr Neill said that there needed to be further discussions around how these people could be supported alongside colleagues in the arts sector and those operators with live music venues.

‘It’s vital that everything is done to get these individuals and places back on their feet once again,’ he added.