Commenting, Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said, “Confirmation that ‘non-essential’ retailers and close contact services, along with most of the hospitality sector, can reopen and start trading again on 11 December is welcome news and will, on the whole, prove positive for jobs and the economy.

Traditional drink only pubs will be understandably disappointed and angry that, once again, they remain unable to reopen. Belfast’s bars are a huge cultural, tourism and community asset and need increased Executive support to survive.

Protecting lives and livelihoods is vitally important. It is crucial that everyone continues to follow the ‘hands, face, space’ and other guidance in the coming weeks to avoid another damaging lockdown in the early new year”.