Omagh pub turned into showroom for Christmas drinks

BARS and restaurants are set to close again as part of the new six-week lockdown starting on Boxing Day, while a new support package has been announced for so-called ‘wet’ pubs.

The hospality sector will once again be closed for up to six weeks under the tighter restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

Licensed premises which do not serve food have been closed for the majority of the year, and Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced a new support scheme to help these ‘wet’ pubs.

Broderick’s Bar, on George’s Street, has been closed up since October as it is a ‘traditional bar’ and does not have an on-site kitchen.

Owner, Colm Broderick, has been concentrating on his off-licence business and has transformed the bar into a showroom for Christmas gift ideas.

Mr Broderick said, “The bar was closed up earlier this year and I have focused on the Christmas gifting idea in the off-licence.

“I changed the bar into a kind of showroom, and have some drink gift sets on display.

“This has gone well so far with patrons able to browse the products with social distancing in place.

“I miss the Christmas buzz – it was always a very enjoyable time to work in a bar.

“People were always in good form and they would call in for one while out Christmas shopping or just for a good Christmas night out with all the regulars.

“It wouldn’t have been the same this year with all of the safety measures in place.

“With the restrictions, together with the difficulty in adhering to social distancing, as well as gathering contact details for every client, leaving all doors and windows open for the flow of air – it would not have been an enjoyable environment for my staff or customers.

“Hopefully the new year will bring better days for us all,” said Mr Broderick.

Meanwhile, the Wet Pubs Business Support Scheme (WPBSS) will provide £10.6m to drink-only public houses which were forced to close between July 4 and September 23 this year.

Details on when the scheme will open will be provided as soon as possible.

Economy Minister, Diane Dodds, said, “Public houses which serve drink only have suffered significantly due to the impact of the restrictions on trading imposed through the Health Regulations.

“Most hospitality businesses were able to re-open on July 4 after the first restrictions were eased, however, pubs that didn’t serve a main meal were required to remain closed until September 23 – some 12 weeks longer.

“This is why I felt it was very important to provide this support scheme for wet pubs,” added Mrs Dodds.r