Alliance Councillor Chris McCaw has said that Stormont must act urgently to assist businesses that find themselves having to close suddenly due to COVID-19 cases among staff or customers.
Chris said, “The sad fact is this virus is still with us and is still a massive threat. As lockdown restrictions ease, tourism and hospitality businesses are relying on these few precious weeks of the summer season in order to set themselves up for the winter. They have already lost part of their main season and some now face the horrifying prospect of sudden closure due to Covid-alerts. Responsible business owners, who are doing the right thing in this situation to protect customers and staff, need and deserve assistance from the Executive.
In the last few days we have heard of local businesses who have been closed for months, only to reopen for a short time before having to close again at short notice. This is at considerable financial cost to them and brings added anxiety to business owners and staff at an already very stressful time. Government must act. Alliance MLAs have written to the Economy Minister on this issue to urge immediate action. I am also working with Causeway Coast and Glens Council to identify ways in which the Council can assist businesses in this position.”
