THE Executive Ministers’ decision to roll back the resumption of live music in Northern Ireland was described last night as “very disappointing”.
Hospitality Ulster, the organization that represents the industry, said they were “amazed that things can be gotten off the ground just like that”.
The executive had outlined a number of indicative dates last week to be ratified on Thursday and would have allowed live music in places selling food or drinks from June 21st.
However, given concerns about the Delta variant, the ministers postponed the planned relaxation of the rules until next month.
Other possible changes included allowing 10 people from two households to meet indoors and close contact services such as hairdressers and beauty salons to work without an appointment.
The executive is due to reconsider the situation on July 1st with changes to be made on July 5th.
But Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster criticized the further delay last night.
“We don’t know why this date can simply be postponed without consulting the industry,” he said.
“Today was supposed to be a rubber stamp exercise, but now it’s postponed for another two weeks.
“We are amazed that things can simply be kicked on the street with the stroke of a pen without sharing the evidence with those affected.
“These are the days and weekends when live music is central to the hospitality scene as the weather improves and the sector begins to recover from the general lockdown.”
He added: “We need to be told what basis this call was made, how it can be justified, and how they explain to those who planned to go back to work that they will have an additional two weeks with no income.
“Our musicians and music venues and pubs really deserve to see the evidence.”