Publican warns ‘livelihoods at stake’ as bars to shut at 11pm

Willard D Barber of Ma Berry’s was speaking after First Minister Arlene Foster announced new COVID-19 regulations.

The new rules mean closing time of 11pm for all in the hospitality sector from midnight on Wednesday 30 September, and apply to pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes as well as hotel and guest house bars.

No alcohol or food will be served after 10.30pm and all customers must leave by 11pm. There will be no late licences.

The move comes after a surge in postive COVID-19 cases, with Saturday showing the highest daily tally since the pandemic began.

Mr Barber said the hospitality sector had been adhering closely to government advice and regulations during the pandemic and even before Lockdown had voluntarily closed pubs and bars ahead of St Patrick’s Day.

However he said: “It is really Catch 22. On one side of the coin we are happy to be open but on the other side the curfew is not good for business.

“There are people’s livelihoods at stake. The hospitality sector employs so many thousands of people. It’s about job security and making sure people have a livelihood.

“People are thinking there is no point in going out and it is more about house parties. We want them to know they are welcome to come out for a pint.

“We have adapted our model at Ma Berry’s and reopened for food. It is on a first come, first served basis.

Mr Barber said paid tribute to his colleagues in the music industry who are unable to get out to entertain in venues locally or across NI. “It is a really tough time for those musicians and artists,” he said.

Mrs Foster said this week: “The intention behind the earlier closing time is that socialising later in the evening is considered to increase the risk of virus spreading because people adhere to the rules less strictly after consuming alcohol and in venues where they are used to mixing freely. There can be no exceptions to this, so weddings and other important social events will also be required to comply.

“Sales of alcohol from off-licences and supermarkets in NI already stop at 11pm. This will help ensure a consistent approach in border areas.

“Some will make the point that pubs and bars closing at 11.00pm will drive people to house parties and we recognise this risk. However, house parties and gatherings in our homes are illegal - the restrictions already in place ban people from more than one household to be in a private dwelling or more than six people from no more than two households to be in a private garden.

“The arrangements will be subject to enforcement. We do not want to go there, we would prefer that everyone works with us.

“But enforcement has a role, and we are working closely with the PSNI and local government to understand the issues from their perspectives and also the importance of community responses. Junior Ministers are working closely with PSNI and local government, and we will be looking at the fines levels we have here as a matter of priority.

https://www.lurganmail.co.uk/business/call-special-measures-including-emergency-pavement-cafe-licences-help-save-hospitality-trade-2888284

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