‘WET’ pubs in Derry are facing an uncertain future after the Stormont Executive called time on them reopening
One local bar owner has said they have been “left between a rock and a hard place” after the Northern Ireland Executive announced further delays to their reopening.
Theatres and indoor ‘wet’ pubs that do not serve food have been told they cannot reopen next week because the Executive are concerned in the rise in daily Coronabvirus cases.
They had initially been given a date of August 10 to reopen, but this was pushed back to September 1 at the earliest several weeks ago.
Now they have been left in the dark as to when the can reopen which could result in job losses or ‘wet’ pubs closing for good.
Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle, Terry Cassidy, who owns the Glen Bar in Derry, says he is unsure many pubs will be able to survive much longer without financial support from the government.
“We have no date to reopen, we have staff furloughed, we have no financial package.
“How can we survive?”
Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster said the decision on pubs was “catastrophic news” for the industry.
He said the executive must “now come forward with immediate financial assistance” for publicans.
“Without this, thousands of jobs will be lost along with a vital part of the hospitality sector here,” he said.
Mr Neill added there was little evidence to suggest traditional non-food pubs were any higher risk than venues which have reopened.
