Hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland are urgently asking the Northern Ireland Executive to follow Dublin’s lead in setting a clear timetable for reopening.
The Irish Government is moving to phase two of its plan to reopen the hospitality and the wider economy from tomorrow.
Phase two of Dublin’s plans will see pubs that serve food, restaurants, cafes and hotels reopen later this month starting from 29th.
Just a few miles north in Northern Ireland hotels have been given a reopening date of July 20, but no date whatsoever has been given for restaurants, pubs and cafes to do the same.
Northern Ireland parity Ireland – economic view
The economic distance between the two is now substantial, easily crossed borders could also see the migration of consumers to open doors.
Trade bodies Hospitality Ulster and Belfast Chamber have now called on the Northern Ireland Executive to bring forward its plans to reopen hospitality businesses in the north. They have emphasised the need for a timetable, and review of two-metre social distancing policy.
We spoke with a hotelier in Northern Ireland who told us: “The close proximity of hotels, restaurants and pubs in Ireland will see people travel to enjoy hospitality that is closed to them here. Dublin has taken a lead through providing a framework for hospitality in Ireland to reopen. A timetable allows planning and preparation ensuring safety for guests and colleagues.
“The Northern Ireland Executive only has to look a short distance to follow an example that has been set. An example we would do well to follow.”
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Northern Ireland parity Ireland