Concern for retail business in Northern Ireland with new lockdown looming

Pubs and restaurants face new restrictions from Friday evening, in a bid to stem cases of Covid-19, while schools will close from Monday, first minister Arlene Foster said today.

The executive also announced that hospitality businesses in Northern Ireland will be limited to takeaway and delivery services for four weeks from Friday.

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, which represents independent retailers, said today: “While we are relieved that the retail sector will be allowed to remain open, we are extremely concerned about the impact of the closure of the hospitality sector will have on reducing footfall for our members and our high streets.

“The executive needs to outline what assistance will be given to retailers and other businesses who aren’t legally required to close but are forced to do so because their numbers of customers and trade dramatically decrease as a result of the restrictions.

“There is also a concern that this four-week restriction may only be a prelude to a wider lockdown. Let’s be very clear – there cannot be a return to full lockdown. The first and deputy first ministers stated they want to urgently meet the retail sector to discuss these restrictions: we look forward to this meeting.”

Schools across Northern Ireland will close for two weeks, including the half-term holiday, until 2 November, when the closure will be reviewed. Health officials had warned infections would rise further if both schools and hospitality premises remained open.