Return of live music hailed by hospitality
Live music can resume in Northern Ireland from from July 5 but indoor performances must still be restricted to an ambient sound level only, the executive has confirmed.
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I have been advocating for a relaxation of these restrictions as soon as is safely possible, so I welcome this positive announcement on my proposals in relation to live music.
“The hospitality and arts sectors have been severely impacted by the effects of this pandemic and these relaxations in the regulations will ease some of that burden in a measured, safe and sustainable way.
“The decision is positive for those working in music and the arts.”
From July 5:
- Live music at ambient will be permitted in licensed and unlicensed hospitality businesses at ambient level only with suitable mitigations in place, such as screens.
- Music will be permitted at outdoor events with no restrictions on volume.
Hospitality Ulster welcomes the news but urged the executive to go further to help the struggling sector, including scrapping the limit on numbers allowed at tables .
Operations director Joel Neill said: “It is a welcome announcement that live music can return to our pubs and music venues. It has been a long 16 months for our musicians, and the wider sector, and this announcement is an another step towards normality.
“Music is a highly valuable offering within the hospitality industry, and as we enter into the summer months, customers will be looking for that overall entertainment experience.”
“It has become clear that the vaccine programme has been an ongoing success, with hospital numbers remaining low, even with the slight increase in the Delta variant. Now it is time to lift other limiting restrictions which have been placed on the hospitality sector and allow us to get back to what we do best.
“We are watching as our colleagues in England get ready for their freedom day, while we remain in limbo with no firm timetable on the next stages out of lockdown. The executive must engage with the sector, look at the data and allow us to reopen further.”
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