Hospitality chiefs welcome Covid rule changes but call for more
The hospitality industry has welcomed further changes to Covid-19 rules in Northern Ireland including the end of close contacts self-isolating if they are fully vaccinated.
It is hoped the move will bring an end to the so-called “pingdemic” which has caused major staffing problems for many businesses.
Among other changes agreed the by the Stormont Executive was the scrapping of the rule-of-six regarding the limit on the number of people allowed to sit at tables together in pubs and restaurants.
However, the executive stopped short of changing rules on social distancing or face coverings.
Reacting to the changes, Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster said: “We welcome the news that the rule of six per table in hospitality venues is to be lifted. The cap on guests per table limited hospitality businesses in their offering and contributed to the current situation which many hospitality businesses found themselves trading, limiting their ability to recover from the past eighteen months.”
“It is also welcome to see changes being made to the self-isolation terms that were imposed on close contacts. In recent months, hospitality businesses have been struggling to remain open due to staff shortages which has only added to the sense of despair in the industry.”
“However, we are extremely disappointed, and indeed concerned, that other that restrictions including all seated and table service only still remains, jeopardising the viability of many small businesses.
“Already we have venues cancelling musicians, who have been booked in the hope that restrictions would be removed to allow the industry to trade successfully within guidelines applied to individual risk assessments rather than legal regulations.”
First Minister Paul Givan said he hoped for a decision to left all restrictions by the end of September and that the “justification for regulations is diminishing”.
He also said he had hoped to see fewer restrictions for the hospitality sector in the latest changes and that it was time to move from a regulatory model to one of “personal responsibility”.
However, Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the executive had taken a “cautious approach”, which was “fully supported by public health advice”.
Other notable changes for the industry include the resumption of conferences and exhibitions, with outdoor raves also allowed.
However, nightclubs remain without a reopening date.
Janice Gault, below, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation welcomed the changes announced but said there were “still considerable restrictions in place which impact on the sustainability and viability of businesses”.
“A pathway with dates for the removal of all regulations would be hugely beneficial for those in the hotel, accommodation and wider hospitality sector,” she added.
The NIHF chief also called for a review of international travel , saying: “Rules remain difficult with travel on an all-inclusive island of Ireland basis proving very challenging, given the differing rules in Northern Ireland.
“This has resulted in the removal of Northern Ireland from travel itineraries and there are concerns that this could impact future contracts.
“Over the summer, the staycation market has been performing well and the sector is keen to see travel from other destinations restored. Uncertainty about travel does little to restore confidence and encourage visitors.”
Sign up to our newsletter and get all the latest LCN content here >>>http://eepurl.com/deVW
