Lisburn Road Opens Up for Business

Today is the day that hairdressers, beauticians, make-up and nails, tattoo and piercing parlours, tanning shops, massage, electrolysis, and well-being and holistic treatments can reopen in Northern Ireland as more lockdown restrictions are eased.

Outdoor attractions and driving lessons and tests can also welcome customers again from today (April 23), which marks phase 3 of the Government's roadmap to recovery roadmap.

There continues to be restrictions on social contact that need to be followed and close contact services can only be avail of by booking an appointment.

Unsurprisingly it has been busy in Belfast City Centre, with people keen to get their hair, make-up and nails done after four long months in lockdown.

Below is a round-up of pictures from businesses in the city centre and across Northern Ireland.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds, who visited local businesses in Lisburn, said: “This has been a difficult time for many traders and businesses across Northern Ireland. However, we are turning a corner.

"While we still have some ground to cover to return to complete normality, today’s reopening of close contact services and other easements of restrictions such as the re-opening of outdoor visitor attractions and activity centres is another positive next step towards better days ahead."