Restaurants and pubs close early

SCORES of restaurants and pubs in Derry have closed days ahead of fresh restrictions.

Movement and trading in the local council area, which also covers Strabane in Co Tyrone, will be limited from Monday in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.

From having one of the lowest virus prevalence rates in the UK, the area is now among the highest. Redmond Mcfadden, president of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, said traders are disappointed but understand the numbers dictate the outcome.

It comes as a particular blow after the annual Halloween festival, which brings tens of thousands of visitors to Derry, was cancelled.

Mr Mcfadden urged Stormont and Westminster to step in with support as many businesses closed early before the restrictions come into effect. He added: “It just shows you how responsible the business community is in the north-west. In March they closed when they didn’t have to, before St Patrick’s Day, to ensure the safety of the population. That’s what a number of them have done again.”

Sean Mclaughlin, proprietor of George’s Bar on Bishop Street, said new restrictions are tough for wet pubs coming just a week after they were able to reopen for the first time since lockdown. He added: “We just can’t understand why wet pubs and restaurants are getting closed when everywhere else is able to stay open.”

Mr Mclaughlin said they have already lost three members of staff since the first lockdown and added: “The future will be up in the air for the bar and the four or five staff who are in there at the minute.”