Hospitality sector calls for 'urgent' support after opening date pushed back

By Q Radio News and PA Reporter

The hospitality and entertainment sectors in Northern Ireland have called for an 'urgent financial' package from the Executive to support struggling businesses which remain closed due to covid-19. 

Yesterday it was announced theatres, drink only pubs and private members clubs will not be permitted to reopen on Tuesday as planned. 

The move comes a blow to the industries which have been closed since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster says unless Stormont Ministers provide financial aid to those affected, "thousands of jobs will be lost". 

Colin Neill said, “This is catastrophic news for hard-working publicans right across Northern Ireland who made the ultimate sacrifice in closing their premises six months ago for the greater good.

"These individuals and families have endured two months of additional closure without any financial support. In so doing, they have already demonstrated a high level of responsibility at considerable personal and financial cost.”

“The Northern Ireland Executive must now come forward with immediate financial assistance. Without this, thousands of jobs will be lost along with a vital part of the hospitality sector here. It will be unforgivable if this is need is not met.”

(Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster speaking to Q Radio)

Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster

Mr Neill added, “These hard-working publicans are paying the price with no income and a stack of bills running into the thousands of pounds each week.

"This is just not sustainable. We understand that the Executive didn’t even meet today and it is simply an insult that, at the very least, a meeting was called to discuss the impact of this decision on thousands of staff and their families.

"They haven’t even been given another suggested indicative date, removing any hope they may still have.” 

“We understand the risk posed by this virus but we have not been presented with any definitive evidence to suggest traditional non-food pubs are any higher risk.

"Indeed, experience in the rest of the UK would suggest otherwise. We are now calling on the Executive to take another look at this and find a workable and practical solution to resolve this major problem.”

“As employers, employees and their families face the reality of further uncertainty and likely job losses, it is over the NI Executive to ensure that these people can put food on their tables.”

The Executive Office said the previous indicative dates have been postponed due to the spread of the virus.

“With the increased transmission rate of the virus in the community and the R number at around 1.3, the Executive agreed that no further restrictions will be lifted at this time,” an Executive Office spokesman said.

“The indicative date of September 1 for the opening of wet pubs, private members’ clubs and audiences returning to theatres has not been ratified by the Executive.

“Officials have engaged with the different stakeholder bodies and no new indicative dates have been set.”