Around 100 jobs at risk as top NI bars make plans to make staff redundant

Commercial Court Inns has said that both establishments will remain closed for the “foreseeable future”.

The BBC understands workers were told that they were at risk of redundancy on Friday.

The company has now entered into a consultation period with employees.

A mixture of full-time and part-time workers are employed at both pubs.

A spokesperson for Commerical Court Inns said: “It is with a heavy heart that we confirm that The Duke of York and Harp Bar will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

“Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find an economically viable way to reopen these iconic venues, which were built for convivial conversation, craic and live music in close quarters.

“The time will come when these doors will reopen and the lights will be turned back on.

“The craic and conversation will return and the reunion will be all the sweeter for the wait.”

Reacting to the news this morning, Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said: “Sadly, this situation is indicative of the current trading environment and the real impact that Covid19 is having on the hospitality sector.”

“The toll that this has taken on iconic bars such as the Duke of York and the Harp Bar speaks volumes for how deep trading restrictions are hurting. We are devastated for those employees who have been given this news and know that this will not have been an easy decision to make.”

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