Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Some cheer at last as pubs get green light for next week
DRINKS-ONLY pubs across Northern Ireland will finally be able to reopen their doors next Wednesday.
The Executive yesterday extended the indicative date of September 21 by two days to enable new regulations to be put in place.
New mandatory requirements will include:
The venue will be required as part of its risk assessment process to identify the number of people who can safely be accommodated in line with social distancing requirements and must clearly display this figure
Hand sanitisation stations must be in place
They will be required to collect customer details to assist with the test, trace, protect contact tracing programme
All service will be seated at tables – no standing or service at the bar
Customers must remain seated once inside, apart from using the facilities
Dancing is prohibited in hospitality venues
A maximum of six people from any number of households can be seated at a table. Children aged 12 and under will be discounted from the total. More than six will be permitted if they all belong to a single household, and
Face coverings should be worn to enter and leave the venue and for movement inside. They are not required once seated.
The new regulations will apply to any venue serving alcohol, or where it can be brought in and consumed by customers, and beer bikes are not allowed to operate.
Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill said: “It is vital everything is done to get these individuals and places back on their feet once again.”