Hospitality given the go ahead with indicative reopening dates
Something we've all been looking forward to for 110 days 🍻🍽
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:
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