Business operators must ensure they are familiar with Coronavirus legislation HERE and Covid-19 guidance HERE and HERE, including social distancing. All relevant health and safety legislation must be adhered to for the protection of customers and employees. 

For further information contact a member of the Health and Safety team
T 028 2766 0257 or E healthandsafety@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

From 30 April

Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including in members’ clubs) can reopen.  Any roofed outdoor structure must be substantially open i.e. over 50% open to the elements and must not have sides, including doors, windows or other structures that serve the purpose of walls (including those that can be opened or shut) that enclose more than 50% of the wall area of the shelter.

A maximum of six people from two households can be seated together.

Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. More than six will be permitted if they all belong to a single household.

Apart from entering and leaving the premises, the only movement allowed indoors is to access toilet facilities, to select food from a buffet or to pay - however, social distancing must be maintained.

Venues will also be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Customer details will include the:

·     name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16

·     date and time of arrival

Where you are providing furniture for use for the consumption of food or drink in public areas you may be subject to the requirements of The Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (Northern Ireland) 2014. CLICK HERE for further information or contact Council’s Licensing team T 028 2766 0233 or E environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk 

If you are using a private space within your premises (e.g. a car park) and intend to serve intoxicating liquor in this area then it is required to be licensed in accordance with The Licensing (NI) Order 1996.  For further information contact the District Licensing Officer at Coleraine PSNI T 101 Ext. 83137.

CLICK HERE for The Food Standards Agency (FSA) issues updated guidance to FOOD BUSINESSES ahead of relaxations to the Coronavirus Health Regulations.

From 30 April 
Self-contained tourism accommodation (accommodation with no shared facilities, which can be exclusively used by a single household/ bubble)  and all shops may  also reopen. 

Indicative date

An indicative date of 24 May has been set for the reopening of indoor hospitality venues and all tourism accommodation. This will be subject to review.

CLICK HERE for full details and dates for the next steps along the Northern Ireland Executive's Pathway out of Restrictions.

Council, in accordance with the Pavement Cafes Act (NI) 2014, has introduced a temporary process for pavement café licence applicants. The Council continues to support the hospitality sector by waiving Pavement Café Licence fees for an extended period until March 2022.

A streamlined process is open now to allow businesses who supply food or drink to apply for the conditional temporary license needed to safely place furniture on a public area for use by customers.

Business owners who are considering making an application for a Pavement Café Licence should note the following:

• Applications must be made on the application form and be accompanied by site and location plans, and furniture and barrier plans
• Evidence of their Public Liability Insurance must be provided
• A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be provided
• A public notice must be fixed to the premises

A 28 day public consultation period will run concurrently with business operation. As well as the public, Council will also consult with the Department of Infrastructure, the Planning Department and if a licenced premises, with the PSNI. Other relevant organisations/individuals may also be consulted before a decision is made as to whether or not a Temporary Pavement Café Licence will be issued.

CLICK HERE for more information.

If you want to discuss an application contact Environmental Services
T 028 2766 0233 E environmentalhealth@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

DOWNLOAD your ‘We’re Good To Go’ Global ‘Safe Travels’ Stamp NOW from the World Travel & Tourism Council

Did you know that the content that you supply to DiscoverNI will also populate the VisitCausewayCoastandGlens.com site, as well as Ireland.com? 

It is therefore vitally important that you review your entry on www.discovernorthernireland.com, reviewing imagery and content for accuracy, in particular to both the domestic and ROI markets. If you need any assistance E engagement@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

Closing date for expressions of interest is 4pm on Tuesday 4 May. To express your interest in this event E golf@tourismni.com referencing 'Golf Ireland Convention 2021'.

Applications Open for fourth SEISS Grant
Applications for the fourth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant are now open until 1 June 2021. To be eligible you must be a self-employed individual or a member of a partnership. You cannot claim the grant if trading through a limited company or a trust. CLICK HERE for more information and check the eligibility criteria before making a claim.  
 

SEISS Repayment Guidance Updated
CLICK HERE for updated the guidance for self-employed on what to do if you need to pay back some or all of their SEISS grant. The update relates to any amendment tax returns on or after 3 March 2021 which either lowers the amount you’re eligible for or causes you to no longer be eligible.
 

NRC have been working closely with the Department for the Economy, with the other FE Colleges and local businesses to design a skills-led approach to supporting managers as they move through the pandemic restrictions and on to a road to recovery. CLICK HERE to find out more on the following courses:

Employer Webinar: Hospitality and Tourism Sector 
Wednesday 5 May 2–3pm
Find out how your business can benefit from a range of new services including the Jobstart employer incentive scheme and the enhanced Work Experience Programme. Register HERE

Northern Ireland Hotels Federation - The Seminar Series 22 Apr - 5 May  (various dates)

Management Skills Spotlight Series 14 April - 5 May (various dates)
 

• Using AR & VR Technologies for Tourism Businesses
• Cut it, Cook it, Quaff it
• Baking & Patisserie Skills for Industry
• The Art of Cocktail Making
• Birds, Boning & Brines
• Chocolatier Workshop
• Introduction to podcasting for tourism businesses