CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is urging people to support NI’s local and independent brewers, cider producers and pubs across the country as they open for indoor service once again.
As restrictions ease and indoor opening resumes across Northern Ireland, the consumer organisation is asking as many people as possible to use their local pubs and social clubs, and to choose drinks from local and independent brewers and cider producers wherever possible to help local businesses recover from the pandemic.
CAMRA Chairman Nik Antona said, “Pubs matter and are a vital in bringing people together across Northern Ireland. As we mark this next milestone in the lifting of lockdown, I’m urging everyone who can to get back down to the pub or social club.
“People are really looking forward to socialising safely without being subject to the weather, as well as enjoying all the social and wellbeing benefits of having a pint with other people.
“It is really important that we give as much support as possible to local breweries and cider producers as well as to our pubs so that they can survive and thrive after an exceptionally difficult year.
“For those going back to the pub today please to be patient and courteous with pub staff who are doing their jobs in difficult circumstances and with a few extra rules than we are used to.
Antona continued, “Whilst indoor opening today is a significant step in the right direction, many pubs will still struggle to make ends meet due to restrictions on the amount of customers they can serve.
'We are urging the Executive to commit to lifting all remaining restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so, so that we can see a return to pubs operating at full capacity, with customers jostling for space and being able to chat with friendly faces while perched on a stool at the end of the bar.'