NI Pubs: Refrain from playing both recorded and live music - these are just some the measures that NI pubs will be taking as they prepare to reopen tomorrow

Tens of thousands of people all over Northern Ireland are expected to visit their favourite pubs and restaurants when they reopen for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic on Friday.
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The Coronavirus is still very much alive and kicking in our communities so pubs and restaurants can only reopen provided they introduce specific public health and safety measures - here's a rundown of what you might see.

- Licensed Premises - can operate a normal ‘main table meal’ and beverage service both indoors and outdoors, but social distancing measures must be adhered to. Buffets are not permitted.

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The sale and consumption of only alcohol ‘indoors’ (without food) is not currently permitted. Whist the rationale for this decision has not been published, it is understood that this is seen by government as a higher risk activity.

A barman wearing a face covering is just one new thing we will have to get used to as we prepare to visit pubs and restaurants all over Northern Ireland tomorrow. (Photo: PA Wire)A barman wearing a face covering is just one new thing we will have to get used to as we prepare to visit pubs and restaurants all over Northern Ireland tomorrow. (Photo: PA Wire)
A barman wearing a face covering is just one new thing we will have to get used to as we prepare to visit pubs and restaurants all over Northern Ireland tomorrow. (Photo: PA Wire)

The sale and consumption of only alcohol ‘outdoors’ (without food) is permitted in licensed areas but must be table service only, and all social distancing measures must be adhered to.

- No loud music or loud television broadcasts e.g. sport: At this time, venues should not permit live performances, including drama, comedy and music, to take place in front of a live audience.

This is important to mitigate the risks of aerosol transmission - from either the performer(s) or their audience.

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All venues should ensure that steps are taken to avoid people needing to unduly raise their voices to each other.

This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from playing music or broadcasts that may encourage shouting, including if played at a volume that makes normal conversation difficult.

This is because of the potential for increased risk of transmission, particularly from aerosol transmission.

- Hotel Amenities - hotel restaurants are permitted to reopen.

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Hotel bars are restricted to the provision of a ‘main table meal’ with the serving of alcohol being ancillary to this (table service only).

As with pubs and bars, hotels with licensed outdoor spaces are permitted to sell alcohol in these spaces.

Government advise not to provide activities such as bands, live sport screening etc.

- Everyone seated - Standing in any licensed premises is prohibited and everyone must adhere to social distancing - two metres but this can drop down to one metre depending on circumstances and other mitigating factors.

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- Wedging doors open - where appropriate, to reduce touch points.

- Frequent cleaning - of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly including counters, tills, and making sure there are adequate disposal arrangements for cleaning products.

Cleaning surfaces and objects between each customer use. For example, cleaning tables, card machines, chairs, trays and laminated menus in view of customers before customer use.

- Maintaining good ventilation in the work environment - for example, opening windows and doors frequently, where possible.

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- Time limit - the Northern Ireland Executive has not issued a time limit for how long customers can remain in a licensed premises.

- Max no. of persons: the Northern Ireland Executive has not issued a maximum limit for how many people may be seated together - however, for the safety of staff it is recommended that larger groups are split over two tables and everyone must adhere to social distancing.

(Sources: Keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services (government guidance document) and Hospitality Ulster)

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