NI’s pubs on a knife edge with many at risk of permanent closure: CAMRA

Responding to the Executive’s decision to impose a further two-week closure of pubs from November 27th until December 11th, Chair of CAMRA NI Ruth Sloan said:

“Our pubs are on a knife edge and are devastated by this decision when they had been planning for re-opening next week. Many just don’t know how they are going to make ends meet during the tough weeks and months ahead.

“Whilst we all understand the need to control the virus, this announcement comes as a bitter blow to pubs and pub goers in the run up to what would be their busiest time of year.

“The current financial support for pubs just isn’t enough to save many of them from permanent closure. The Executive must urgently bring forward a long-term, sector-specific support package to help pubs and the breweries that serve them survive.

“This should cover not only the next few weeks of restrictions, but the months ahead in order to cope with decimated trade and the damage done to long-term consumer confidence in pubs as a safe, Covid-secure place to meet. Simply put, without greater financial support, we risk seeing scores of Northern Ireland’s pubs and breweries close their doors for good.”