HOSPITALITY in the north was granted its reopening date yesterday - Friday July 3 - in what the industry heralded as "a significant milestone"
But it came with caveats provided, and with the grim warning that many of the 65,000 jobs in the sector may still be axed, and that it could be another year before the industry is fully back on its feet.
Economy minister Diane Dodds confirmed that all hotels, cafes, restaurants and bars that serve food will be allowed to open a fortnight from this Friday.
Pubs which only sell drink will be allowed to serve alcohol outdoors from that date.
The new date for hotels (they were originally told they could open from July 20) puts Northern Ireland on a similar trajectory to the Republic, and will allow the region to compete on an all island basis.
But challenges remain as to the commercial viability of many in the sector under social distancing, which is currently being reviewed to see if the two-metre rule can be reduced to one metre.
Also, thousands of workers currently surviving on the taxpayer-funded furlough scheme, which pays most of their wages, won't necessarily be back at their posts in the short-term, with premises likely to be operating at reduced capacity and with skeleton staffs.
The industry has been propped up with other measures too, including rate breaks, and the fear is that when the safety net is eventually pulled away, there could be a tsunami of cuts and closures in the sector.
Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neil summed it up when he said: “It will be a long and challenging path to fully rebuild our hospitality sector.
“But for now, we're just thrilled to have the chance to get going again.”
He added: “Operating under the restrictions will not be easy, and many businesses will still be unable to reopen.
“But we will continue to work with economy minister Diane Dodds, who has been a champion for our industry throughout this crisis, and the Executive to bring forward the full reopening of all our hospitality businesses as soon as possible.”
Mr Neill said the current social distancing requirements meant it will simply not be commercial viable for many hospitality businesses to reopen right now, and he said he hoped to see a move soon to the one-metre guidance as approved by the World Health Organisation.
NI Hotels Federation head Janice Gault said: "The unlocking of hotels, in tandem with the wider hospitality industry and visitor attractions, will enable Northern Ireland to be promoted as a destination, offering a great stay with lots of things to see and do.
"It is great news for the wider economy and gives the tourism sector an opportunity to trade over the busy summer season."
In the wake of the minister's announcement, Belfast bar czar Willie Jack said he would be re-opening at least one of his premises - The Harp Bar on Hill Street - on day one at "about 35 to 50 per cent capacity".
The publican, who also owns the Duke of York, Dark Horse and the New Orpheus, said: "Things will be so different to what our customers expect from our venues, but the absolute emphasis will be on safety, protecting our staff, customers and communities.
"The Harp's capacity is 400, but we'll be operating with probably 140 to 180 people maximum, counted in and out by EventSec staff.
"It will be a unique and wholly different experience, a lot more subdued. We'll be opening later and closing earlier, but as long as we can offer a comfortable and safe environment, we expect the people will come."
Brewer Guinness has unveiled the detailed measures it is taking in thousands of pubs around Ireland to support the hospitality industry in preparation for the phased re-opening.
Its quality team has undertaken one of the most significant quality checks in history, which has involved more than 70,000 lines in 10,000 pubs being meticulously managed to allow fresh tasting beer to be served and enjoyed.
It has been facilitated by an innovative technology called Surge 20X, a line-cleaning system specifically developed by Guinness which recirculates rapid flows of water and detergent mix during the cleaning process.
