In its statement, the Northern Ireland Executive cited concerns about the increase and speed of the Delta variant, and confirmed a new indicative date of 5 July for further relaxations (to be reviewed on 1 July). 

The decisions are outlined below:

From 5 July, subject to ratification on 1 July, to:

Theatres and Concert Halls

Reopening of seated theatres and concert halls and other such venues. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the performance. Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and remain seated and social distancing of 1m will be required.

Exhibitions and Conferences

Return of conferences and exhibitions in line with regulations.

Home and community

Permit indoor gatherings in a domestic setting of ten people from no more than two households. If one household has ten members, the maximum is increased to 15 from no more than two households. (Does not include children 12 and under).

Permit outdoor gatherings in a domestic setting of 15 people from an unlimited number of households. (Does not include children 12 and under).

Remove the linked households/bubble provision.

Outdoor gatherings

Permit outdoor gatherings to the maximum allowed as per risk assessment for venue across all sectors. Over 30 people must be an organised gathering and would require a risk assessment.

Close contact services

Enable close contact services to open without appointments but with remaining mitigations.

Live music

In licensed and unlicensed premises which provide or sell food and drink (whether or not including intoxicating liquor) for consumption on the premises, permit live music at background or ambient levels; the volume must be such to enable visitors to conduct conversation at normal loudness of speech. No dancing permitted.

At outdoor events permit live music and dancing, without restriction to background or ambient levels.

Permit live music, without restriction to background or ambient levels for rehearsal, recording or performance purposes in concert venues, theatres and other indoor venues which, for the duration of the rehearsal, recording or performance are set aside for that purpose. No dancing for audience but permitted as part of performance.

Permit live music, without restriction to background or ambient levels for “other indoor venues” - can include a space within larger premises – for example a function room or conference suite within a hotel. In such circumstances access to the venue must be effectively controlled and managed and the venue must be sufficiently isolated from the rest of the premises to ensure that the volume of the music in the venue does not breach ambient or background levels in other parts of the premises. No dancing for audience but permitted as part of performance.

Entry to performances for audiences will be by ticket only. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the performance. Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and must remain seated (unless using facilities).

Social distancing at a minimum of 1 metre will be required for live music related activity in indoor seated venues and will be advised for all outdoor events.

Messaging will be developed around the travel to and from such events to inform the public of the safer options.

Education and young people

A restart of overnight residentials for youth services and uniformed organisations as part of the continued phased reopening of youth services to facilitate delivery of the summer youth programme as part of the continued phased reopening of youth services.

Please continue to follow the public health advice, wash your hands, wear face coverings, socially distance, meet outdoors where possible and use good ventilation when meeting indoors. Make safer decisions for yourselves and each other.