Hospitality given the go ahead with indicative reopening dates

Something we've all been looking forward to for 110 days 🍻🍽

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 15th Apr 2021

The Stormont Executive has agreed to lift a wide range of lockdown restrictions, including hospitality later this month.

Speaking in the Assembly today the First Minister Arlene Foster said: “This is a landmark day for Northern Ireland as we step firmly and with confidence on our pathway to recovery.

"We are now entering brighter and better times."

While the dates given are indicative and subject to review, Northern Ireland's pathway to recovery is on track.

Dates to look forward to:

  • 30th April - Outdoor licensed and unlicensed premises
  • 24th May - Indoor hospitality venues including pubs and hotels
  • The Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Today, the light at the end of the tunnel has just got a little bit brighter.
  • "This is a day of positive progress. We have agreed a significant package of easements which will make a fundamental difference to people's lives and wellbeing.
  • Ms O'Neill also told the Assembly that hospitality businesses and gyms would continue to receive Covid support payments from the Executive until they were able to fully reopen and operate properly.

Reopening dates confirmed within NI's Pathway to Recovery:

Hairdressers and beauty salons can reopen

From 23rd April, personal care premises including hairdressers and beauty and nail salons will be permitted to reopen

Outdoor attractions will reopen

Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from 23rd April

Driving lessons will resume

From 23rd April driving lessons will be allowed to resume, as will theory tests, motorcycle lessons, lorry lessons and tests, car and trailer tests and minibus lessons and tests.

Outdoor sport will return

Outdoor competitive sport will be allowed with numbers not exceeding 100, however spectators are not permitted

Non-essential retail will resume

Non-essential retail can resume from 30th April

Self-contained tourist accommodation

Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen from 30th April

Outdoor hospitality resumes

Licensed and unlicensed premises can serve customers in outdoors settings in groups of six from no more than two householders.

Takeaways and off licences will remain open

Removal of curfews on takeaways and off licenses

Gyms reopen

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 10th May

Outdoor gatherings increased to 15

Limit on outdoor gatherings in domestic gardens increased to 15 people from no more than three households

Hospitality services can operate indoors

Licensed and unlicensed premises can operate indoors.

Indoor visitor attractions reopen


Small wedding receptions allowed

Weddings and funeral events with up to 30 people may be allowed from May 14th

Indoor dining and drinking

Indoor dining and drinking is expected not get the green light before 1st June

Read more:

LOCKDOWN: NI Executive agrees to relax some restrictions

BREXIT: bid to sort out trading issues for Northern Ireland

CMO: NI 'on the cusp' of better days

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