NFDA welcomes Northern Ireland outdoor car retailing reopening

“Following our lobbying efforts, it is extremely positive that new and used vehicle retailers can begin to provide outdoor retail services from Monday 12 April. This move is a proportionate easement to current restrictions on the motor retail sector”, said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed that outdoor retail is allowed to re-open from Monday 12 April 2021 for the following businesses:

• new and used car retailers
• retailers of light motor vehicles, lorries and trailers
• retailers of caravans or motorhomes
• retailers of agricultural or other large machinery
• garden centres and plant nurseries
• car washes.

The official guidance encourages retailers “to ensure all business is conducted outdoors and customers are not, where possible, to enter showrooms or trading premises”. Outdoor retailers are reminded that a risk assessment should be in place and are advised to follow social distancing and hygiene measures.”

“We will continue to work with officials and ministers to ensure the full reopening of showrooms in Northern Ireland as soon as it is safe to do so”, Sue Robinson added.