Ex-DUP minister slams Executive amid claim it is ‘biased against pubs’

Simon Hamilton the ex-DUP MLA and former finance, economy and health minister, was among those decrying the lack of a roadmap for struggling firms from today’s Executive meeting.

Mr Hamilton, now the Chief Executive of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, said the Executive’s announcement “totally underwhelms” and was “another opportunity to give businesses hope, missed”.

He further added that there is “no transparency on what data is being used”.

And he further wrote that the lobby group Hospitality Ulster is “spot on” after it issued a statement saying the lack of opening dates for the Province’s pubs may be down to “a historical bias against premises serving alcohol”.

The head of the Federation of Northern Ireland, Roger Pollen said of Tuesday’s package of measures: “While these moves represent some progress, given the continued success of the vaccine programme and vast improvement in the public health situation, we wish to see greater easements in the coming weeks.

“In order to continue to enjoy public support, the Executive must demonstrate how the remaining restrictions are in accordance with the principles contained within the ‘Pathway’ document – namely that they are ‘evidence-based’, ‘necessary’, ‘proportionate’ and ‘sustainable’.

“Given large swathes of the economy remain closed, there must be justification and, if it is deemed that businesses are still required to close to protect public health, they must be supported for at least as long as restrictions remain in place.”

Glyn Roberts of Retail NI meanwhile described the relaxation package as “bitterly disappointing”.

“These relaxations fall very far short for our local economy with no reopening dates at all for non-essential retail, hospitality or close contact services,” he added.

“Why is it the Scottish Government can give dates for these vital sectors to reopen, yet our Executive cannot?”

Mrs Foster herself said the moves are “modest, and that we have a long way to go”,.

“What we have brought forward today are cautious steps, but they very much point in an optimistic direction,” she said.

She also told MLAs she is fully ready to face criticism, saying: “So be it. We are big girls and boys and can deal with that.”

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