Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster
“We welcome confirmation by the Executive that indoor hospitality can reopen from Monday. This has been a difficult and draining period for everyone within the hospitality industry and today’s announcement will bring hope to businesses, with people getting back to work and livelihoods restored for many across the sector.”
“Acknowledgement and thanks must be paid to the Executive for their financial support and those civil servants who have worked to ensure that hospitality is able to reopen after this awful period.”
“As we now look towards Monday’s reopening, the health and wellbeing of customers, staff and the wider public will be the priority for all the hospitality sector business owners. I know that our members have stringent Covid secure processes in place so that customers can enjoy the hospitality offer once again.”
“However, this is not ‘job done’ - with extensive restrictions still in place, many businesses will still struggle to break even, let alone make a profit. It is vital that we see these restrictions removed as soon as possible and engagement from the Executive as we begin the long road of rebuilding what was Northern Ireland’s fourth largest private sector employer, pre-Covid.”
“Scientific data such as ONS official statistics show Northern Ireland has lower infection rates compared to Scotland and England. With the Covid risk level low, attention now must turn to the reopening of music venues and event spaces at an accelerated rate, bringing back musicians and fans to enjoy concerts, gigs and pub performances that have been missed over the past fourteen months. These venues and musicians have waited long enough for action to be taken. Immediate focus is required on the programme for their reopening and the resumption of our famed music scene.”
“I would also appeal to customers to play their part and observe the Covid regulations, especially providing their contact details as a key element in the work to control the spread of Covid. With table service and other restrictions still required, our staff will be walking miles with smiles - but please be patient as the existing regulations increase their workload.”