AQW 28310/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 19/01/2022
Answered On Date: 15/02/2022
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy for his assessment of the impact of the downturn in hospitality trade on local food and beverage producers, in particular producers of alcoholic beverages.

Answer:

I know that our local food and beverage producers have been negatively impacted by the various restrictions placed on the hospitality sector over the last 2 years.

Despite some of this impact having been negated by increases in retail demand, a significant level of support has been made available in the form of grants, interest-free loans, removal of business rates and job protection as well providing targeted assistance to develop more robust supply-chains, grow on-line sales and purchase new equipment.