Masks can be removed for dancing when NI clubs reopen, Stormont ministers agree

Night clubbers in Northern Ireland will not have to wear masks while dancing when the venues reopen at the end of the month, ministers have agreed.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Oct 2021, 19:10 BST
Updated 21st Oct 2021, 19:28 BST
The Limelight doubled up as a vaccination clinic recently, but will return to being a nightclub on October 31. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.The Limelight doubled up as a vaccination clinic recently, but will return to being a nightclub on October 31. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
The Limelight doubled up as a vaccination clinic recently, but will return to being a nightclub on October 31. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Ahead of the lifting of hospitality restrictions on October 31, the Executive has clarified issues around the practical application of the relaxed rules.

On that date, nightclubs can reopen and social distancing rules that currently limit capacity in bars and restaurants will change from regulation to guidance.

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People will be able to move freely around hospitality premises, including being able to stand at the bar for a drink.

Since those measures were announced, there had been calls from the sector for clarity, particularly around the use of face masks.

Today, ministers confirmed that face coverings can be removed for dancing in indoor hospitality venues and in settings that involve drinking and eating.

Ministers were told that modelling suggests that transmission is set to plateau at the current high level for the next six weeks.

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Related topics:MasksNorthern Ireland