Some NI pubs announce temporary closure over Covid-19 - to protect staff and patrons - Hospitality Ulster to meet First Minister as sector at ‘financial tipping point’ | industry calls for ‘social distancing’ immediately

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Among the bars to close voluntarily are: The Gweedore bar in Londonderry and The Blind Cobbler in Omagh.

The news comes as Hospitality Ulster say they are to meet First Minister Arlene Foster over the deepening COVID19 crisis.

In a statement they say: “The First Minister, Arlene Foster MLA, is set to meet Hospitality Ulster on Monday to address the devastating impact that COVID19 is having on the sector.

“The urgent engagement comes soon after Hospitality Ulster set up the Industry Response Group to monitor and analyse the financial impact of the developing situation on a weekly basis, to identify the necessary practical support needed to alleviate any financial and operational pressures that may arise in the coming weeks and months.

“Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said today: “We are now at a financial tipping point. Our sector is being hit first; will be hit the hardest; and may not recover at all, if Government does not act now.”

“We are about to see the jobs and livelihoods of many in the hospitality sector go to the wall unless Government takes some of the pain and introduces measures to match the unprecedented times we are in. We need our elected representatives to move fast and save our industry and the people who they representative right across Northern Ireland.”

“This isn’t an issue that is happening elsewhere, this is a disaster on our doorstep, and the NI Executive has it within its power to take decisions to help. Failure to assist will see significant job losses; establishments having to be sold off or boarded up; and the economy suffering with VAT and Tax takes down massively as many outlets will be no longer around. They simply can’t let that happen.”

“We are seeking a range of urgent interventions from the NI Executive and Westminster to take swift and decisive action so that we can stave off the biggest disaster our sector has faced in living memory.”

Hospitality Ulster have also called on the industry to introduce social distancing immediately.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said today: “We are continuing to follow all government guidance, but as this is a fast developing situation, we have taken the decision to introduce ‘social distancing’ as an additional measure.”

“The health of the nation is paramount, as is the health of our staff, but it is also important that we try and ensure people will have jobs to return too once this crisis is over.”

”We are a responsible sector and have already made huge efforts to maintain high hygiene standards and adhere to all official Government and health authority advice.”

The layout of individual premises will be different and may require alteration to minimise any potential spread.