Chambers call to fast track retail and hospitality opening

In a joint statement the Chambers said: “Following the recent decision by the Irish Government to open retail stores on Monday, retail in shopping centres on Monday 15 and hotels, pubs and restaurants from Monday 29, retailers and hospitality businesses, particularly those in border areas, are at a competitive disadvantage. At a time when many businesses are struggling we can’t afford to lose more business to the south, through unfair competition.

“Our members have invested significantly in measures to protect the safety of their staff and customers, and are ready to open. Retailers are at the very heart of their towns and cities, employing local people and would not put their communities at risk. With the right safety measures in place, now is the time for retail to open again and give our High Streets an opportunity to recover.

“Equally our hotel and hospitality sector needs the opportunity to open earlier. July is the peak season and if the southern hospitality sector is allowed to trade from the June 29, our hotels, restaurants, pubs and B&B’s will suffer further losses. Many families will have to stay at home for their holidays this summer and our hospitality sector needs the opportunity to compete for this “staycation business.”

“As Chambers of Commerce, with retail and hospitality members across Northern Ireland, we call on the Executive to allow our retail and hospitality sectors the opportunity to trade on an equal basis with other businesses on the island. The time is right for the Executive to accelerate the opening of our retail and hospitality sectors.”

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you