‘Wet’ Pubs Across Northern Ireland Can Finally Open Their Doors!

Pubs across Northern Ireland, which only serve alcohol, have finally been allowed to reopen after months of closure due to the Covid-19 crisis

Wet pubs across Northern Ireland, which serve alcohol only, have finally been allowed to reopen after months of closure due to the Covid-19 crisis

Previously, pubs could only open if they also served food or if outside seating was available to customers.

The executive has agreed that the mandatory requirements for pubs opening will include:

  • Table service only – no standing and no bar service
  • Dancing will be banned in hospitality venues
  • A maximum of six people from any number of households can be seated at a table. Children under 12 will not be included in the total
  • More than six people will be permitted if they all belong to a single household
  • The venue will be required to collect customer details to assist with contact tracing
  • Face coverings should be worn to enter and leave the venue and for movement inside. They are not required once seated.

New Covid-19 restrictions were also extended to all of Northern Ireland from 6pm on Tuesday (September 22).

The new rules specify there will be no mixing of households indoors with the following exceptions:

  • Bubbling with one other household
  • A limit of six people from no more than two households, excluding children aged 12 or under, can gather in a private garden
  • Caring responsibilities including childcare
  • Essential maintenance
  • Supported living arrangements
  • Visits required for legal or medical purposes
  • Marriage or civil partnerships where one partner is terminally ill

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