Commenting on the NI Executive’s new Covid-19 restrictions, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“While we are relieved that the retail sector will be allowed to remain open, we are extremely concerned about the impact of the closure of the hospitality sector will have on reducing footfall for our members and our high streets”
‘The First and deputy First Ministers stated they want to urgently meet the retail sector to discuss these restrictions – we look forward to this meeting”
“The Executive also needs to outline what assistance will be given to retailers and other businesses who aren’t legally required to close, but are forced to do so because their numbers of customers and trade dramatically decrease as a result of the restrictions and it quite simply isn’t financially viable for them to remain open”
“There is also a concern that this four-week restriction may only be a prelude to a wider lockdown. Let’s be very clear – there cannot be a return to full lockdown”
