COUNTDOWN CLOCK FOR REOPENING INDOOR HOSPITALITY ON 24 MAY HAS NOW BEGUN IN EARNEST

13 May 2021

COUNTDOWN CLOCK FOR REOPENING INDOOR HOSPITALITY ON 24 MAY HAS NOW BEGUN IN EARNEST

Reacting to the NI Executive announcement on reopening of indoor hospitality Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

 

“We welcome today’s commitment by the NI Executive to reopen indoor hospitality on 24th May, subject to final signoff at the next meeting on the 20th May.

 

“With the current data, low Covid transmission, and the continued success of the vaccine roll-out, there is simply no valid reason for businesses in our industry to be closed beyond the 24th.”

 

“The countdown clock for reopening indoor hospitality on the 24th May has now begun in earnest.”

 

“The new ‘Rule of Six’ (max per table - six people from six separate households or two households if more) and ten persons on wedding tables, and the return of gala dinners and business meetings is also very welcome as it will help businesses operate at a viable level and protect jobs. However, until all social distancing rules are removed, the majority of hospitality businesses will be unable to return to profitability for some considerable time.”

 

“We also have to recognise the significant financial support given to the industry by the government over the past fourteenth months - whilst it could never cover all costs, or save every business, it has played a major part in protecting businesses and saving jobs to date.”

 

“The remaining ban on music means some hospitality businesses like nightclubs and music venues will remain unable to reopen. Immediate attention must be given to continued financial support for these businesses as we work to reopen them and bring music and culture back to Northern Ireland’s nightlife as soon as possible.”

 

“It is clear there is much more work to be done in terms of lifting restrictions, but the 24th May will be a significant day on the road to freedom from all the Covid restrictions that continue to cripple our industry.”

 

“We welcome the Executive’s decisions today and encourage them to look to their counterparts across the rest of the UK, trust the data, and use the UKG scientific reviews into social distancing, events and travel, to remove restrictions and fully reopen hospitality and tourism. The hospitality sector here has spent thousands of pounds per business in creating covid secure environments and will continue to do all they can to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.”

 

“With hope on the horizon, we can really start the long road to rebuilding our hospitality industry - Northern Ireland’s fourth largest private sector employer.”