LISTEN: Hospitality industry allowed to reopen from 3rd July

By Q Radio News and PA.

Pubs, restaurants and hotels are allowed to open in Northern Ireland from 3rd July in a major stride out of lockdown.

Ministers in the Stormont Executive agreed to the move at a meeting on Monday.

From June 26, caravan parks, camp sites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.

A week later, hotels, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pubs and bars will be able to welcome customers back.

Stormont Economy minister Diane Dodds made the announcement about the hospitality sector on a visit to a Belfast restaurant.

"It's a good day for tourism and hospitality in particular, a sector that has been incredibly hard hit by the lockdown after the pandemic.

"So good news for the sector in general."

Childcare a priority: 

The First Minister Arlene Foster reaffirmed her position on the issue of childcare, despite critics saying it was neglected during the beginning of the pandemic. 

It comes after Mrs Foster said the initial £12million scheme to support childcare facilities should be increased.

She said: "We've put 12 millions pounds into a fund that can be applied into and we are looking at putting more money aside so that can be available for childcare as well.

"Was it a priority when we were having to lock everything down and make sure the NHS was safe - no it wasn't a priority then. 

"But my goodness it is a priority now."

Diane Dodds

Pubs and bars opening on that date will have to primarily function as restaurants and offer substantial meals.

Lisa Steele, General Manager of the five star Culloden Estate and Spa on the outskirts of Belfast, said: "We are delighted with today's announcement and look forward to welcoming guests back from Friday 3rd July.

"We've been working hard to prepare our magnificent property for reopening and are excited that guests will soon be able to enjoy the 5-star experience we at Hastings Hotels are renowned for."

Commenting on today’s announcement, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill said:

“We welcome the Minister’s announcement today, which is a significant milestone in what will be a long and challenging path to rebuild our hospitality sector.”

“Minister Dodds has been a champion for our industry throughout this crisis, and she has made the right call. We, and the entire sector, are extremely grateful for her support and commitment.”

“The Covid19 pandemic has taken many lives across our communities and it is important that we recognise the serious nature of this virus and the continued threat it poses, but we must also ensure that as many families as possible do not also lose their livelihoods.

"Pre Covid19, 65,000 people depended on us to put bread on their tables and a roof over their heads, we must now strive to save as many of those jobs as possible.”

He added: “Operating under the restrictions will not be easy and we recognise that many businesses will still be unable to reopen. But we welcome the Ministers comments to bring forward proposals on reopening these parts of the industry in due course. We will continue to work with the Minister and the NI Executive to bring forward the full reopening of all our hospitality businesses as soon as possible.”

On 2m vs 1m issue, Colin Neill is hopeful of a reduction before reopening date:

“In relation to the current 2m Social Distancing requirements, it is highly likely that many hospitality businesses will still be unable to reopen, as it simply will not be commercially viable.

"This is not about safe and unsafe, it is about safe and safer and we are encouraged by the discussion at NI Executive level led by Minister Dodds. I hope to see the distance reduced to 1m in line with WHO guidelines as soon as possible.”

On the health and safety aspects of the reopening phase for the hospitality sector, Colin Neill said:

“With Covid19 still circulating amongst us, it is vital that our industry implements all possible measures to reduce the spread of the virus. Protecting our staff, our customers, and our communities is paramount.”

“We have extensive industry specific guidance, drafted and ready to go, however until the UK Government releases its guidance for the sector, we are unable finalise and publish our guidelines. We expect that it will be issued in the coming days.”

Deaths

For the second day running, there have been no new deaths linked to COVID-19.

According to the Department of Health, 541 people have now died from the virus.

This figure is lower than figures released on Friday by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)

They reported 779 COVID-19 related deaths here up to 5th June.