Hoteliers in Northern Ireland said they were resigned to the latest extension of lockdown but have called for support from both Stormont and Westminster to help the industry get back on its feet.
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) said Health Minister Robin Swann’s announcement that current measures would stay in place until 31 st March wasn’t surprising and that even then, many in the trade would be reticent to open their businesses if the threat of another lockdown remains.
“It is important that we have some certainty and while everyone appreciates the challenging landscape, an exit plan is required with a timeline,” NIHF chief executive Janice Gault said, adding that “the industry will require support from central government and at a devolved level.”
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Specifically, that support focuses on retaining the lowered VAT level of 5% for hospitality business introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the pandemic took hold. It is due to return to 20% on 31 st March 2020 but NIHF want the lower rate extended until the sector recovers to pre-Covid levels. VAT is particularly sensitive for the Northern Ireland hospitality sector given its peers in the Republic pay the tax at just 13.5%.
NIHF are also calling on Westminster to extent furlough and on Stormont to extended business rates relief.
And it wants the removal of current requirement for shops to close by 8pm.
“As a well-regulated sector which has shown the ability to operate safely, the Federation will be calling on the Executive to remove the curfew,” Ms Gault said. “This is a restriction that has little effect on the spread of the virus but has significant impact on the viability of trading.
“Other asks will include promotional activity to restore confidence and stimulate trade, a planned review of regulation and exploring mitigations to prevent further lockdowns.”
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Despite the hardships which hotels are currently facing, Ms Gault was hopeful for a more positive future.
“At this juncture, the light at the end of the tunnel may only be flickering. In the coming weeks, we hope it will start to guide us towards reopening and better times. Hotels will await further news on the pathway to recovery and are keen to play a positive role in the restoration of the local economy.”