Another two Belfast bars are not reopening to 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions

The Sunflower and Kelly’s Cellars both took to social media to update their customers as restrictions on the hospitality sector are set to ease tomorrow.

It comes after Limelight, the John Hewitt, Lavery’s and the Pavilion Bar all said they would not be reopening this year.

While sections of the hospitality industry will be able to reopen, wet pubs must remain closed.

Further clarity from the Northern Ireland Executive also states that premises can only serve food that has been cooked in their own kitchen.

In a post the Sunflower Public House & Live Music said: “Hey everyone,

“It is with the greatest regret that we inform you that Sunflower will not be reopening this side of Christmas.

“We understand that the new restrictions are in place to keep you all safe and sound, but unfortunately they make it unfeasible for us to reopen at the moment.

“Until then, we will have our takeaway back up and running from next week, with a few Christmas specials available to get you through.

“We hope to hit the ground running in the new year and return to the vibrant, exciting atmosphere that you all know and love, but until then, wash your hands, wear a mask, and stay safe.

“Much love.”

And a post from Kelly’s Cellars said: “Dear friends,

“Christmas is coming, and our 300th birthday is drawing to a close. However, due to the restriction placed upon us, it seems we will not be able to celebrate with you all.

“We had been so looking forward to it, too.

“Nevertheless, the rules are there for your protection, and that, to us, is the most important thing.

“We think we set up and applied a good social distancing system that kept you safe while we were open.

“Many of you thought so too, and took the time to say so, for which we thank you.

“But the restrictions state - for some reason - that we can only open if we serve food prepared in our own kitchen. Since we don’t have a kitchen, it seems we must remain closed for the time being.

“We don’t know what the logic is behind this decision, or indeed behind many of the decisions that have been made, and we don’t see how we are a threat when crowded shops, cafés and restaurants are not, but sadly, we’re not in charge.

“We will reopen as soon as it is possible to do so, and we’ll let you know when that happens. Until then, stay safe, stay merry and we will see you as soon as we can.

Happy birthday to us, and merry Christmas to you,

Team Kelly’s ❤️”

Earlier in a statement the owners of both Lavery’s bar and the Pavilion bar in Belfast said their decision to stay shut had been made “with the greatest regret”.

And the owners of the John Hewitt Bar, also in Belfast, said the decision to remain closed had been made with the “heaviest of hearts”.

The owners of the John Hewitt Bar say the fresh restrictions are “just too heavy”.

In a statement, the ‘Lavery’s team’ said: “We have decided, with the greatest regret, that Lavery’s and the Pavilion Bar will remain closed for the rest of 2020. This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make and we are so sorry for any disappointment it causes. However we will reopen both bars as soon as it is possible.

“We would like to thank our amazing staff who always work tirelessly, and particularly during the period we were open from July to October. Your enthusiasm and willingness to work in trying conditions was inspirational and hugely appreciated. We’ve recently done a lot of work to make our outdoor spaces even more comfortable and we can’t wait to have you back, and to welcome our wonderful customers through the doors once again.

“We’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for your incredible support during 2020. Here’s to 2021.”

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