LOCKDOWN: What's opening in NI and when?

preparing for lockdown lift-off
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 15th Apr 2021
Last updated 15th Apr 2021

The Stormont Executive is expected to approve the lifting of a whole raft of lockdown restrictions today (Thursday).

Downtown Radio & Cool FM understands Ministers will be looking at plans to re-open the majority of currently closed businesses by June 1.

So the timeline for re-opening is as follows:

APRIL 23

• Hairdressers and barbers re-open

• Driving instruction, tests and theory all return

• Opening of all outdoor attractions

• Resumption of all outdoor sports without fans

APRIL 30

• All retail to re-open

• Self-contained tourist accommodation (caravan parks, B and Bs, Air B and Bs etc) open for business

MAY 10

• Unlicensed and licensed premises to allow re-opening outdoors (i.e. beer gardens and restaurants serving food outdoors)

• Gyms to re-open

MAY 14

• Post-venue events such as wedding receptions and funeral wakes allowed to take place in hotels with a limit of 30 people

• 15 people per three households permitted to meet outdoors

JUNE 1 (not before)

• Licensed premises including pubs and restaurants allowed to open indoors

• Hotels re-open for business

• Return of indoor group exercise, with numbers limited to suit the size of venue.

Sources describe today's Executive meeting as one of the most important since the pandemic struck.

Initially, it was understood the easing of only a small number of restrictions would be on the table for discussion.

However, given the success rate of the vaccination programme and positive comments yesterday from both Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, it was agreed that more indicative dates could be given for other businesses.

It is understood, a statement on what Ministers have agreed will be made at around 4.15pm in the Assembly Chamber.

We'll bring you live updates throughout the day on air, on social and online!

Proposed dates to be confirmed...

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

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