Pubs Can Re-Open 3 July on a 'Table Service Basis'

The Stormont Executive yesterday announced a roadmap for the re-opening of the hospitality and tourism industry with 3 July seeing accomodation, restaurants, cafes and pubs being allowed to re-open conditional on controlling the rate of transmission of Covid-19 and social distancing measures in place.

Pubs can open on a table service basis only with indoor pubs requiring the serving of food while pubs with an outdoor space such as a beer garden can serve alcohol alone.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds who welcomed the dates  said "I am very pleased that the Executive has supported my plan to bring forward the conditional date for the re-opening of key parts of our tourism and hospitality industry.

"Providing clarity in respect of re-opening dates does not mean that businesses must open on these dates, this will be a matter for individual businesses to decide.

"Some will require longer than others to prepare for re-opening. However, setting the dates is an important step on the road to recovery and in enabling the tourism and hospitality industry to plan ahead.

"These businesses will operate in a new and challenging world when they begin to emerge from Covid-19. Social distancing and hygiene practices will be essential to reassure customers and employees that establishments are as Covid-19 safe as possible."

Referring to bars whose 'primary focus' is alcohol sale Minister Dodds added "I plan to bring further proposals to the Executive in coming weeks regarding the reopening of bars whose primary focus is the sale of alcohol. I am also very aware of the need for clarity for our events sector. I will bring forward proposals for this key sector as soon as is practicable."

Welcoming the announcement Newry Chamber’s Chief Executive Colm Shannon said “Tourism and hospitality are important parts of the Greater Newry Area economy. Today’s announcement, coming on the back of the reopening of shops and the housing market, is a further boost for our local economy.
“We recognise that our economy must reopen in a way that protects public health and we hope as the public health position continues to improve, that it will be possible to move from 2m social distancing to 1m. A move to 1m, when it is safe to do so, will ensure our hospitality industry can operate on a more sustainable basis.”

Key Dates

26 June: Caravan parks, camping sites and self-catering tourist accommodation can re-open

3 July: Other tourist accommodation can re-open. Additional sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry can re-open including restaurants, cafes and coffee shops.

Public houses and bars will also be permitted to re-open from 3 July for the purposes of selling food and alcohol on a table service basis.

Public houses and bars with outside spaces, such as beer gardens, will be able to use these spaces to serve alcohol on a table service basis.

These relaxations also apply to hotel restaurants, bars and outdoor areas. However, spas and leisure facilities at hotels will not be permitted to open at this stage.
visitor attractions can also open from 3 July.

The Executive also agreed that consideration should be given to reviewing the two metre social distancing requirement.