coronavirus restrictions last week (via BBC News).Yesterday (July 26), the Northern Ireland Executive agreed that such live establishments would be able to open once again from 6pm BST this evening.
Rehearsals and performances will now be allowed, with no restrictions on volume levels.However, some rules will remain in place.
Punters are required to adhere to one-metre social distancing, purchase tickets in advance and have allocated seating in the venues from tonight.Van Morrison, who legally challenged NI’s ban on live music, described the announcement as “shambolic” and a “kick in the teeth”.“Cancelled concerts that were planned for this week could have gone ahead,” he said. “Regrettably like many other sectors, there’s been no advance.