Pub goers call for common sense approach to allow outdoor re-opening

Consumer group CAMRA NI urges the Executive and local councils to let pubs make the most of outdoor space. 

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has called on the Executive and local councils to make sure pubs can use outside space wherever possible when they are allowed to re-open from tomorrow. 

It comes after reports of venues being told with less than 48 hours notice that they won’t be able to use outdoor space, beer gardens with 4 walls, marquees and awnings – even when venues had been allowed to use the same set ups during outdoor opening last year. 

Commenting, CAMRA NI Chairperson Ruth Sloan said: 

“After buying-in stock, sorting staff rotas and after many have invested thousands to make venues covid-secure and to transform outside space it is deeply frustrating to hear that pubs are now being told that they can’t open their outdoor space just hours before they had planned to. 

“We are all looking forward to enjoying the social and wellbeing benefits of being back at the local and supporting our great local, independent breweries – even if it is outside only. 

“It is absolutely vital that the powers that be take a common sense approach and allow pubs to make the most of any outdoor areas so they can start to get some money through the tills, pay staff wages and welcome back customers who are looking forward to supporting their local pubs after an incredibly challenging year. 

“For those going back to the pub as well as considering BYOB – ‘bring your own blanket’ – we’d like to ask pub goers to be patient and courteous with pub staff who are doing their jobs in difficult circumstances and with a few extra rules than we are used to when we visit.”