Northern Ireland has gone into a four week lockdown starting October 16th. As part of the coronavirus counter-measures, alcohol availability rules have been improved in an attempt to help contain the coronavirus spreading rapidly.

The measures which came into effect in Northern Ireland on October 16 include the following:

  • Ban on sale of alcohol in off-license premises and supermarkets after 8:00 PM.
  • Closure of the hospitality sector except for delivery and take away.
  • All takeaway premises will be closed by 11:00 PM.
  • Schools will be closed for two weeks.

The World Health Organization recommends improving alcohol availability rules during the pandemic and lockdown. This is due to several reasons including:

  • Alcohol increases the risk of infection and risk of more severe COVID-19 disease progression,
  • Alcohol weakens the immune system, and
  • Alcohol-related injury, disease and violence increase the burden on healthcare and emergency services which are already near or over capacity.
WHO: Restrict Alcohol Access During COVID-19 Lockdown

Source Website: Talking Retail