NI Executive to agree to further relaxing of pubs and restaurant rules

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to a number of changes to restrictions on hospitality dining, including removing table service rules indoors and outdoors at pubs and restaurants, according to the BBC.

The changes are seen as “limited moves” and a “stepping stone” approach, will take effect from 17:00 BST on Friday, 10 September.

Additionally, People will be allowed to play pool, darts and gaming machines while dancing will also be allowed at weddings and civil partnership receptions.

The requirement to purchase tickets in advance for live performances will be removed, as will the need for audience members to have allocated seats.

First minister Paul Givan, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said: “Today we made good progress and we met for nearly four hours in the executive and considered the current information around health, the economy, impacts on families and the community.”

However Hospitality Ulster called for further movement, calling the moves “incremental changes” and that it was time to provide indicative dates and a framework of action to move out of the remaining restrictions.

The organisation’s Colin Neill said. “Hospitality businesses are left hanging while restrictions continue to place a halt on viable trading. We need the best chance we can get to recover.”