Northern Ireland

More pubs and restaurants voluntarily closing because of Omicron

The Jamica Inn in Bangor
The Jamica Inn in Bangor The Jamica Inn in Bangor

A CO Down restaurant is the latest hospitality business to voluntarily close its door as the Omicron variant impacts on staff cover and bookings.

The Jamaica Inn, Bangor, posted a message on social media confirming it will temporarily close due to a surge in cases.

Changes to close contact rules mean that anyone who comes in contact with someone who is Covid positive has to isolate for seven days - leaving many venues tackling severe staff shortages.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have taken the decision to close for a week from tomorrow, Monday 3rd January. We will reopen Monday 10th January," the Jamaica Inn said.

"The staff who are still in a position to work are going the extra mile to cover the staff who aren’t, and this can’t go on indefinitely.

"Businesses are being forced to take these decisions with little to no support from the government.

"This is not a decision we have made lightly but it’s been increasingly hard to cover the rota with the appropriate numbers of staff and also provide the level of service our customers expect and deserve."

The Spaniard bar in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter also announced a self-imposed circuit breaker closure at the weekend while The Four Winds bar in the south of the city confirmed it was following suit.

"With the pressures caused by the current Covid 19 situation we have faced a tough choice but believe it is for the best to close for a little while," The Four Winds business said.

"Today, Sunday 2nd January, will be our last day and we will reopen sometime later in January.

"We sincerely apologise for any disappointment this may cause. Hopefully this time the grass will be greener on the other side. Stay Safe."

In the week before Christmas, a Belfast city centre bar owner announced his premises will close from Christmas Eve amid the ongoing Covid crisis and said he does not know when it will reopen.

Willie Jack, who runs the Duke of York and Harp Bars, said the popular venues will close.

The Sunflower Public House has also closed its doors voluntarily.

Meanwhile, A Co Fermanagh bar, Charlie's in Enniskillen, said that it had nine staff members off one day last week either due to either positive Covid cases or having to self isolate.