NI bars and pubs to work around two metre social distancing by adopting European 'cafe culture'

Pubs and bars in Northern Ireland will attempt to manage the two metre social distancing rule by adopting the European "cafe culture" said deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill.
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The deputy First Minister made the comment at Thursday's daily Coronavirus briefing in Belfast.

Many businesses, particularly those within the Northern Ireland hospitality sector, have expressed concerns that they will not be able to operate a profitable business should the two metre social distancing rule continue to be enforced.

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However, one possible solution could see pubs and bars extend its area of operation onto to outside areas such as footpaths and roads.

Could this sort of sight be the new normal at pubs around Northern Ireland?Could this sort of sight be the new normal at pubs around Northern Ireland?
Could this sort of sight be the new normal at pubs around Northern Ireland?

It is not yet known how precisely this could work however it would likely help businesses function more smoothly while still providing the correct distance required for effective social distancing.

First Minister, Arlene Foster, said the Northern Ireland Executive will next week provide businesses in the hospitality sector with indicative dates for when they can reopen to the public.

“What we have set out today is an incremental way forward,” said deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill.

“This is going to be a rolling programme of easements.

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“We will be able to do more on Monday, more on Thursday in terms of the regulations.

“This is a stage post to Monday then Thursday then it will be an ongoing programme after that," she added.

A majority of people want social distancing to remain at two metres, new data has suggested.

Interestingly, a snap poll by YouGov has found that 58% of people want the rules to be kept at two metres, while 24% think it should be dropped to one metre.

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