Decision expected to be made on reopening of drink-only pubs in NI today

Pubs that do not serve food have been given an indicative reopening date of Monday 21 September.

The date has already been pushed back twice by executive ministers due to concerns about the virus.

Around 600 pubs in Northern Ireland that do not serve food are still awaiting the green light to open.

At present, drink-only pubs can only serve customers outdoors.

The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland has argued for a tightening of restrictions and tougher enforcement against establishments that break the rules, to allow more law-abiding pubs to reopen.

Last week, representatives from the sector met executive ministers to call for regulations to be put in place, as opposed to guidance.

It is understood the executive will discuss whether to approve the 21 September date when it meets on Thursday afternoon.

In the Republic of Ireland, drink-only pubs are due to reopen on the same date with the exception of Dublin, which remains under tighter restrictions due to a rise in cases.

Stormont ministers are also likely to discuss the imposition of new localised restrictions across parts of Northern Ireland at Thursday’s executive meeting.

On Wednesday, the restrictions were given legal force - but caused some confusion as new areas in the Lisburn and Castlereagh council area have been added to the list of affected areas.

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