Local hospitality sector prepares for alfresco dining to aid recovery
July 3, 2020
With the easing of government restrictions, from 3rd July a number of hospitality venues across the council area will be offering alfresco dining to customers.
In particular within Lisburn city centre some cafes and restaurants will be able to place tables and chairs outside their premises for their customers to enjoy refreshments. This is in line with government guidance on social distancing; and the council is pleased to be supporting local businesses with the setup of their premises to suit their business needs at this time.
Alderman Jim Dillon MBE, Development Committee Chairman, said: “Local hospitality venues are looking forward to reopening their doors for sit in customers. To assist with the expected demand for freshly prepared meals we are working closely with local businesses across the Lisburn Castlereagh area that anticipate offering outside seating as a way to meet the catering demand during the current capacity restrictions. Additional outdoor seats within the footprint of the business will play a part in helping our local eateries recover after being either closed or only offering a take away menu.
“Thank you to all those businesses across Lisburn, Carryduff, Newtownbreda, Dundonald, Moira and Hillsborough that have engaged with us to identify areas to facilitate outside dining. The co-ordinated partnership approach is beneficial to everyone including your customers.”
Councillor Nathan Anderson, Environmental Services Committee Chairman, added: “As a council we are keen to support all sectors as they reopen through advising on compliance. Through our Environmental Health team we are assessing properties to give guidance on social distancing, health and safety; and now we are pleased to offer a simplified application process for pavement dining to our hospitality sector. I wish our cafes, restaurants and bars every success as they reopen their doors to sit-in customers while also hoping customers still avail of their takeaway service too.”