Belfast businessman welcomes re-opening dates for hospitality sector
From July 3 hotels, restaurants, and pubs can re-open
Last updated 16th Jun 2020
A Belfast businessman has welcomed news that the hospitality industry can welcome customers back next month.
From July 3, hotels, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops in Northern Ireland will be allowed to re-open.
The major move out of lockdown was announced following yesterday’s Stormont Executive meeting.
Peter McCloskey owns Oliver’s restaurant, deli, and coffee shops in Belfast, as well as a string of barbershops.
Speaking about the re-opening of restaurants and coffee shops he Downtown/Cool FM News, “I think it’s good news that we’ve got a date to work towards”.
“I understand Stormont being careful about giving dates but if there’s no surge and everything goes as it has this past few weeks, then we’ll be ready to open on the 3rd of July”.
The restaurants and coffee shops have been running a popular take-away service during lockdown.
The businessman says attention is now turning to what hygiene measures will have to be taken for welcoming customers back.
“Hard surfaces will have to be cleaned regularly, and toilets after every use.”
“We’ll have to limit contact and preferably take card over cash. If staff are advised to wear masks then they’ll do that”.
No date has been set yet for the re-opening of hairdressers, barbershops, or beauty salons however the Executive is expected to make an announcement on Thursday.
Mr. McCloskey said “Barbershops and hairdressers have always been concentrated on hygiene but whatever the guidelines are we’ll adhere to them”
Museums and galleries can also reopen on July 3, but hotel leisure and spa facilities will have to remain closed.
From June 26, caravan parks, campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.