NI restaurants and pubs: Stormont under pressure to follow Dublin and open NI restaurants and pubs by end of June

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced on Friday that the five phases designed to lead the Republic of Ireland out of lockdown had been reduced to four.

Mr. Varadkar was also able to confirm groups of up to six people could meet up indoors from Monday onward as long as social distancing is adhered to.

Perhaps one of the most surprising announcements to come out of Dublin on Friday was the confirmation that hotels and restaurants will be permitted to reopen to the public from June 29.

The Taoiseach also revealed people will be allowed to travel anywhere in Ireland from June 29 also.

Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive Colin Neill said "urgent" action was required from Stormont and described as "ludicrous" how on the same day it is possible that one could purchase a pint of beer in a bar Ballina but not in Belfast.

"With the government in the Irish Republic announcing that it is bringing forward its dates for when retail and hospitality can reopen, the Northern Ireland Executive urgently needs to follow suit," said Mr. Neill.

"Our local retail and hospitality sectors have now had their doors shut for nearly three months to help stop the spread of COVID-19 with costs still rising and no income in their tills."

Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said: "They are actively planning and preparing to reopen in ways that ensure staff and customer safety.

"All they now need is a date from the Executive when they are permitted to do so."

Mr. Neill added: "The Irish government are allowing retail and hospitality ahead of the original schedule.

"Northern Ireland retail and hospitality businesses need the same certainty from Stormont.

"It is ridiculous that in a few weeks’ time you’ll be able to eat a meal in a pub or buy a pair of shoes in Ballina but not in Belfast.

"We are demanding that Stormont don’t let our retail and hospitality sectors fall behind.

"Our sectors need sufficient notice so that they can reactivate their supply chains and make all the necessary preparations to reopen safely," he said.

Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Neill also called on Stormont to review the two metre social distancing rule

"Hospitality Ulster and Belfast Chamber urge the Executive to replicate what is happening in Ireland and also in England give our retail and hospitality sectors some hope and something to work towards by both setting dates when they can reopen and also review the two metre social distancing rule which the Irish are also now doing," said the two men.

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