On 15 June, the Executive announced Northern Ireland\u2019s hotels, bars, restaurants and caf\u00e9s can conditionally reopen from 3rd July. This is a much welcomed decision during an incredibly difficult time for the hospitality industry.<\/p>\n
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The Economy Minister Diane Dodds stated the developments were an important step on the road to recovery. The dates provided by the Department are subject to controlling the rate of transmission of COVID-19 and social distancing measures remaining in place.<\/p>\n
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The conditional reopening of key sectors from 3rd<\/sup> July include:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The announcement only applies to bars that are serving food or which have outside areas and social distancing must be maintained. While further clarity at government level would be welcome, The Hospitality Industry Response Group, comprising Hospitality Ulster, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation and UK Hospitality, has just published its own guidance entitled \u2018A Practical Guide to the Hospitality Industry\u2019<\/em> which should be of some assistance to operators.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition, on Monday 22nd<\/sup> June, \u00a0Belfast City Council announced the opening of a new and temporary \u2018pavement caf\u00e9\u2019 application process, whereby traders would be able to apply to extend their business onto public pavements or privately owned areas (with consent of the land owner). The Council confirmed they would be waiving their application fee until further notice. It is now up to the other Local Councils to follow suit and get their application procedures in place.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This \u2018pavement caf\u00e9\u2019 legislation has until now been an underused opportunity for traders, with only one Local Council having successfully implemented the scheme before now. The councils\u2019 powers are listed in the Licensing of Pavement Caf\u00e9s Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and associated regulations. Councils are entitled to grant Pavement Caf\u00e9 Licences on such terms and conditions and subject to such restrictions as may be reasonably specified in the Licence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Licence permits a person who conducts a business which involves the supply of food or drink either in or from premises to place furniture including tables and chairs on a public area (or privately owned area) to allow for outdoor dining by customers.. It is applicable to caf\u00e9s, restaurants, pubs, retail outlets providing refreshments, takeaways and supermarkets with a deli counter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The council will take into account factors such as the suitability of an area to be used for a pavement caf\u00e9, including pedestrian and vehicular access, size and layout, the likely disturbance to other businesses or residents, furniture design or safety issues when considering the application.. Licences will normally be granted for set hours and reflective of normal operating hours of the business.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Belfast City Council have advised applicants to contact them prior to submitting their application for a Pavement Caf\u00e9 Licence. Applications must include the following documents:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Licensee must provide proof of insurance cover upon demand by the council;<\/p>\n\n
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