BELFAST Chamber for Trade and Commerce has asked the Executive to provide support to councils so they can enhance safety in town and city centres and create a 'culture of compliance' in the fight against Covid-19.
The organisation, which represents more than 500 businesses in Belfast, has written to communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín to encourage her to provide funds for measures such as street cleaning and hand sanitising stations.
Belfast Chamber said it believed such support could help to instil public confidence in the safety of retail centres.
Chief executive Simon Hamilton said: "Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, businesses in Belfast have stepped forward and done all they can to help make their staff and customers safe.
"They’ve spent millions on installing screens, implementing queueing systems, providing PPE and training staff. As we navigate another difficult period, businesses can be relied on to keep playing their part.
"The more we remind people of the need to wash our hands, keep our distance and cover our faces both inside and outside of businesses, then the more it will encourage everyone to comply with the regulations."
Mr Hamilton added: "It is important that the kind of safety measures that are being implemented inside businesses are reflected on the surrounding streets as well".
