NI businesses express ‘huge disappointment’ at extension of lockdown restrictions

The Stormont Executive agreed on Thursday to extend the current restrictions on hospitality and close contact businesses for one week after a lengthy political wrangle. File Picture: PA

Businesses have voiced their “deep dismay and distress” at the “shambolic” decision to extend lockdown restrictions on the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Chamber chief executive Simon Hamilton said there was “huge disappointment” among its members who were forced to close four weeks ago at being told at the “11th hour” that they would not be able to reopen this weekend as intended.