HU CALLS FOR RETURN OF LIVE MUSIC DECISION TO BE FOLLOWED THROUGH ON

16 June 2021

HU CALLS FOR RETURN OF LIVE MUSIC DECISION TO BE FOLLOWED THROUGH ON

Hospitality Ulster has urged for a plan to be put in place to follow through on the Executive commitment to rubber stamp the return of live music, if the Executive fails to meet this week.

 

The Executive was set to meet on Thursday to ratify changes that would allow our pubs, music venues and musicians to begin earning a living again, but the latest political vacuum has thrown that decision into disarray.

 

Hospitality Ulster is calling on political representatives to unite around the Executive table and deliver on the planned relaxations that are expected this week. If not, the organisation says that officials or the Northern Ireland Office must make the call and follow through as we cannot let politics get in the way of people’s livelihoods any longer. Hospitality Ulster says the return of live music performances are vital to keeping the recovery of the hospitality sector moving in the right direction.

 

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

 

“The hospitality sector is at a critical point as we slowly enter into this phase of recovery. Last week we heard the good news that the green light was to be given for live music to return, although with restrictions. This will give a much-needed boost to our pubs and music venues, of which music is a major selling point, however, there is now great anxiety over whether this will be ratified if the Executive cannot meet on Thursday to consider this.”

 

“The value of live music to the hospitality industry cannot be underestimated, and as we enter into the summer months, customers will be looking for that overall entertainment experience that is an integral part our sector. We must be able to progress out of lockdown and work towards recovery unhindered.”

 

“This current episode of political unrest is hugely unsettling for the sector as stalemate at the Executive will only prolong further restrictions from being lifted. We really are only half open, with restrictions still in place across the sector including live music, the cap on guests per table and social distancing limiting business sustainability. Stability, calm heads and unity are required to ensure that the Executive remains in place. We must continue to rebuild our businesses and livelihoods to recover from the trauma and damage of the past fifteen months.”