Most people celebrate the opening of a new pub, however, the news that Lidl has been given the green light to install a drinking hole in one of its supermarkets here has drawn the ire of one Belfast councillor. Last week, a challenge against the German supermarket chain being granted approval to open a pub within its Dundonald store was dismissed, largely because Lidl established there was an inadequacy of bars in the surrounding area, which is required under our licensing laws. There’s also the odd situation in NI where there is only a finite number of alcohol sale licences, so a new one can only be granted if another one is surrendered, which happened in Lidl’s case. In recent days, Belfast councillor Carl Whyte took to X to hit out at the situation. He said our “out of date” laws have been “exposed” by allowing a German supermarket chain to “open a bar on its bread aisle”, while there have been no new bars or off-licences opened around the new Ulster University Belfast campus since it opened, despite the influx of more students to the area. While no ‘new’ bars in the area may have opened — as in those with new licences — several premises have been revamped and opened under new names.
At any rate, the bills will still be going up
On Monday night, councillors at Belfast City Hall voted through a 5.99% increase in the district rate — but not without an uncommon caveat. Representatives agreed to the increase, but also agreed that it could be re-examined up until when the rate has to be legally set on February 15. Why? In the hope that more funds could come from the Executive to cover increases in National Insurance contributions. Given how cash-strapped Stormont is, that’s wishful thinking.
Long raises his glass
Belfast City Council’s kerbside glass recycling scheme begins
It’s the little things that can make your day, and for some the latest expansion of Belfast City Council’s kerbside glass recycling scheme is just that. In recent days, the rollout of eye-catching purple boxes to thousands more residents has begun. Alliance councillor and former Lord Mayor Michael Long couldn’t contain himself when his box arrived. He posted a video on social media holding it aloft with a smile like a Cheshire cat, before placing his first glass bottle inside.