Life in Northern Ireland is ever-changing during the pandemic, and with many places reopening from December 11, things will are set to change again.
The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is facing an extremely difficult period, so for restaurants or pubs serving food being allowed to reopen on Friday will have come as a real boost.
However, owners and staff at so-called wet pubs will have been left frustrated.
Hospitality Ulster described that aspect of the decision as “unjust”.
Chief Executive Colin Neill said: “It is simply unfair and unjust. This is nothing but terrible news for owners and staff in traditional pubs who have once again been unfairly singled out to bear the brunt of the Covid lockdown for the greater good.
“Our traditional pubs have only been open for 3 weeks since March (2 weeks in Derry/Strabane) so they cannot be responsible for the spread of the virus! Despite that, the opportunity for them to trade and try and recoup a small amount of the massive losses they have suffered throughout this year has now been taken away.
“The idea of a packed, sweaty pub with close contact is a dim distant memory and no longer exists and enduring Covid regulations have put an end to that. Food-led hospitality was open for months, without an increase in the R number and our traditional pubs can operate under the same strict regulations, ensuring a Covid-safe environment.”
While life closer to normality appears to be on the horizon, we're not out of the woods yet and there are still strict rules in place when using hospitality.
We've pulled the key rules together below.
The rules for hospitality
- Pubs and private members’ clubs serving a main or substantive meal that has been prepared in their own kitchen; restaurants and cafes. Contact details must be taken from all customers. Mitigations, that were previously required, will stay in place.
- Food and drink can be purchased until 10.30pm but cannot be consumed on the premises after 11.00pm, and all persons must vacate the venue by 11.00pm.
- Hotels and guesthouses. Mitigations that were previously required will stay in place, including restrictions on food and drink.
The following must remain closed:
- Wet pubs and private members’ clubs not serving a main or substantial meal. Off sales are permitted up to 10.30pm. This applies to off sales, supermarkets and hospitality venues selling alcohol.
- Concert halls and theatres, except for rehearsals and recordings.
- Nightclubs.
