Extra support for nightclubs unveiled
Nightclubs in Northern Ireland are to get payments of up to £36,500 to help support them as they try to bounce back.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy unveiled the additional support as he made a visit to Thompsons Garage in Belfast.
Nightclubs endured the most severe restrictions put in place by the Executive to control the spread of the Coronavirus and while other hospitality businesses were able to reopen between May and October, nightclubs remained closed, with support from the Localised Restrictions Support Scheme stopping.
Land & Property Services has since been working with Hospitality Ulster and other government departments to agree a definition of a nightclub and those that meet the criteria should get a payment equivalent to the amount they would have received from the LRSS between May and October.
Speaking at Thompsons, Conor Murphy said: “Throughout the pandemic nightclubs have been subject to additional restrictions and closures above and beyond those faced by other hospitality businesses.
‘Vital part of nighttime economy’
“By working closely with Hospitality Ulster to agree how to define a nightclub, Land & Property Services has been able to accurately identify the businesses that have been affected by the tougher restrictions and provide them with this additional financial support.
“This is on top of the Omicron Hospitality Payment as well as the 24 months rates holiday my Department is providing to these establishments. These measures will ensure this vital part of our night time economy is supported.”
Welcoming the news, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said: “This additional funding will be positively received by the nightclub industry who has been struggling for nearly two years as a result of closures and mandated restrictions. We thank the Minister for acknowledging the position of the nightclub industry and his Department for working with us to ensure that this support package was made available to those most in need of resources as they begin to open back up.
“This funding will go some way to reduce the debt burden of the individual nightclubs as they begin to plan for their recovery and ensure customers can be welcomed back to the vibrant nightlife industry of pre pandemic times.
“The hospitality sector was the one of the worst affected during the pandemic and nightclubs the worst impacted of all. This financial support will provide some relief and we look forward to working with the Minister and his Executive colleagues as we begin to regroup and push ahead with the revitalisation of the sector.”
