Easing of social distancing rules ‘a lifeline to hospitality industry’

Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill was speaking after the Executive agreed to reduce social distancing from two metres to one metre subject to safety measures.

Dates were also given today for the full reopening of churches, hair and beauty salons, team sports, leisure centres and gyms.

But Mr Neill said the new social distancing rule was critical in particular for his sector.

“This is the most significant news since the announcement we were closed at the beginning of this crisis,” he told the PA news agency.

“It comes with big responsibilities, we know that, but this makes the difference between a sustainable business and a business that would open and go broke or not open at all, and it means we can save jobs.

“At one metre, we can do about 70% of turnover which is just about breaking even for most premises, although some won’t be able to open even under this, but two metres, we were at about 30% of turnover, that was just unsustainable.

“This will significantly change the number that can open. We still will see some businesses not open, we will still regrettably see staff lose their jobs but this is the real lifeline, this is the game changer to try and save our industry and those jobs.”

First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill said that two metres was still the optimum distance but that one metre would be permitted from Monday where safety measures are in place.

They will be holding further discussions with the hospitality sector on how to implement this, they added.

The CBI NI also welcomed the reduction as making a “substantial difference to the viability of thousands of firms here in Northern Ireland”.

Chief executive Angela McGowan said the move will have a “material impact across sectors such as tourism and hospitality who are desperate to get back on their feet”.

Mr Neill cautioned that the experience in the hospitality sector will be different to before the pandemic.

“Don’t picture the shoulder to shoulder pub and the back to back restaurant, it has to be different,” he said.

“That said, we will do all we can to make it that social experience because we sell socialising, but we’ll do it in a responsible way to protect the health of our staff and the health of our customers.

“I think there is a whole spectrum of opinion in terms of customers, we have a part of our customer base who are keen to come back right through to another part who are reluctant, and I understand that.

“We’re going to have to work to prove that we can be responsible to let people see what the conditions are, but also too that it is an enjoyable experience when they come because that’s key, that’s part of your night out.”

Meanwhile, Ms McGowan called for planning for economic recovery.

“Planning for sustainable and inclusive economic recovery must now take centre stage,” she said.

“In the coming weeks businesses will be looking for the Northern Ireland Executive to accelerate efforts to protect jobs, livelihoods and future prosperity”.

Arlene Foster said coronavirus figures for NI appear to remain positive, with the ‘R’ infection rate remaining low at 0.6 to 0.9. No new deaths linked to the virus were reported today.

Together with Ms O’Neill the pair confirmed a raft of dates for NI to reopen:

• Places of worship can reopen from Monday;

• Hotels and restaurants can reopen from July 3;

• Visitor attractions barring museums and galleries can reopen from the same date;

• Nail, hair and beauty salons will wait until July 6;

• Elite athletes will be able to use indoor training facilities from Monday;

• Betting shops can reopen from July 3;

• Tattoo shops and reflexology can open on July 6;

• Playgrounds will be unlocked on July 10 and libraries from July 16;

• Competitive sport begins on July 17;

• Leisure centres can reopen on August 7;

• Seated venues such as bingo halls on July 29;

• Indoor sports courts and skating rinks from August 7;

• The return of socially distanced indoor spectators to sporting events from August 28;

• Open-air museums from late August.

Meanwhile, according to Department of Health figures, authorities are still battling coronavirus outbreaks in up to 62 NI care homes.