LISTEN: Belfast bar manages to create jobs during COVID19 crisis

By Brett Campbell

A pub in Belfast has managed to create over half-a-dozen jobs during the coronavirus crisis. 

Love & Death Inc quickly changed its business model and started bottling cocktails at the start of lockdown.  

Lee Murphy, who owns the city centre bar and club, hopes the popular delivery service will keep staff working during the tough days that still lie ahead. 

"The two things we are known for are music and cocktails," he explained. 

"Obviously the music side of things we couldn't carry on with but we could carry on with the cocktails - and it's worked out pretty good."  

The publican says he's been able to bring staff off furlough and employ eight new people as delivery drivers. 

He hopes the success of the new 'Booze on the Move' service - which is accessible through the bar's social media channels and website - will help pull him through the difficult days that still lie ahead.  

"I wouldn't be happy myself going to nightclub until all this is cleared up," he admitted. 

"Bar wise - with social distancing - you're just not going to be able to get enough punters in through the doors to pay the bills." 

It comes as the head of Hospitality Ulster called on the Northern Ireland Executive to fast track the lifting of restrictions on the hospitality sector here.

Chief Executive Colin Neill says Stormont needs to assess the situation and come to a swift decision after three months of pain.

"Acting now will go some way to help save our summer, but it will take four to five weeks for the supply chain to kick into action again and have everything prepared for trading.

"We need to be set back on some sort of even keel. We’ve no time to lose.” 

“As other countries move to a situation whereby many sectors are opening up again, with strong health and safety measures in place, we need to be in a position where we can salvage the remaining weeks of the summer season.

"It may only seem like a short period of time, but it could make all the difference in this really difficult period.”

Mr Neill said also said a decision as early as this week could save many jobs and businesses who have been under extreme pressure both financially and emotionally.

"The targeted assistance that we have received so far has to be welcomed, but more will be needed as not all businesses will be sustainable under the necessary health and safety requirements," he added. 

"Our industry is ready.

"There is nothing like standing on our own two feet and getting back to business.

"The risk of being left behind as others around us move forward doesn’t bare thinking about for the negative impact it could have.”