14 October 2020

This update covers:

  • New restrictions in Northern Ireland.

New restrictions in Northern Ireland: salons and barbershops to close

The Northern Ireland Executive has announced new restrictions to help fight the rise in coronavirus cases.  From Friday, 16 October 2020:

  • Close contact services such as hairdressers and beauty therapists are not permitted to open for four weeks, apart from those relating to the continuation of essential health interventions and therapeutics.
  • Mobile hairdressers, beauty therapists and make-up artists are not allowed to work in clients’ homes.

The current restrictions on household mixing remain the same:

  • No mixing of households in private homes - with exceptions including those joined in social bubbles - and gatherings in gardens limited to six people from no more than two households.

In addition, from Friday, 16 October 2020, the following restrictions will be in place for four weeks:

  • Bubbling to be limited to a maximum of ten people from two households.
  • No overnight stays in a private home unless in a bubble.
  • Closure of the hospitality sector apart from deliveries and takeaways for food, with the existing closing time of 11pm remaining. 
  • Other takeaway premises will be brought in line with hospitality with a closing time of 11pm.
  • No indoor sport of any kind or organised contact sport involving household mixing other than at elite level.
  • No mass events involving more than 15 people (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number will continue to apply).
  • Gyms may remain open but for individual training only with local enforcement in place.
  • Funerals to be limited to 25 people with no pre- or post-funeral gatherings. 
  • Off-licences and supermarkets must not sell alcohol after 8pm.
  • Wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships to be limited to 25 people with no receptions, from Monday, 19 October.
  • The half-term holiday break for schools and colleges will be extended to a two-week break from 19-30 October.
  • Places of worship can remain open but face coverings must be worn on entry and exit.
  • People should not travel unless necessary and should work from home if possible.

The retail sector will stay open (not salons or barbershops).

Financial support for businesses that have to close

We are waiting for further announcements from the Northern Ireland Executive about financial support for affected businesses and will provide an update when we know more. Find the existing information on how to get financial support for your business in Northern Ireland.

The government has already announced support for businesses that are required to close due to local restrictions. This includes:

See all updates

For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a huge number of calls.