Drink-only pubs in Northern Ireland are set to be allowed to open from Wednesday, September 23.
The hospitality sector had been given an indicative reopening date of Monday 21 September – the same day as pubs in the Republic of Ireland.
The date has been pushed back two days to allow enforceable regulations to be drawn up and passed.
New coronavirus restrictions to the BT60 area, which covers parts of Co Armagh, have also been agreed by Stormont ministers. People in this area will not be allowed to visit other people inside their homes or have visitors in – with a few exceptions. Restrictions take effect from 5 pm on Friday September 18.
Restrictions are already in place for the greater Belfast area, Ballymena town and postcode areas BT43, BT28 and BT29.