A popular south Belfast Japanese restaurant has confirmed they are closing their eatery on Friday out of concern for “staff safety”, amid further planned protests in the city.
Kamakura Sushi & Ramen Traditional Japanese Restaurant – based in the Donegall Pass area of the city – took to social media to say they were shutting their doors today and would reopen on Saturday.
There are set to be further protests in the city on Friday evening.
The protests planned for the city centre come at the same time as a number of concerts taking place in the city and the usual end-of-week rush hour.
The potential disruption expected later today has also led to Queen’s University Belfast taking the decision to close its campus.
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We’ll bring the latest news on our live blog below:
‘There will be a joint and robust response to any continued disorder’ – PSNI Chief Constable
Key updates
Belfast restaurant confirms they will be closed on Friday over ‘staff safety’ concerns
6 minutes ago
Eimear McGovern
Joint statement from trusts and trade unions says action will be taken against those who abuse others
Health and social care employers and trade unions have issued a statement saying they will take action against any workers who abuse others in light of recent disorder and attacks.
In the group statement, employers and trade unions said they support a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of their workforce.
“If there is a breach of this, we are committed to ensuring the robust application of appropriate employment and criminal proceedings.”
The statement said: ” In recent days we have witnessed, with horror, significant unrest, violence and racist attacks within our community.
“As HSC Employers and Trade Unions we stand together in opposing all forms of racism.
“We are extremely grateful for all our international workers who have our full solidarity and support.
“We deeply value the diversity of our workforce and are committed to ensuring our workplaces and communities are safe and harmonious environments for all our people.
“In the current climate, we are very aware that some of them may feel vulnerable or worried. As Employers and Trade Union representatives we will do everything we can to support you.
“Organisations will issue specific signposting information for anyone affected.
“It is important that we are united as a Health and Social Care community in support of all our colleagues, promoting respect for equality and diversity and opposing all forms of racism.”
In the group statement, employers and trade unions said they support a zero tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of their workforce.
“If there is a breach of this, we are committed to ensuring the robust application of appropriate employment and criminal proceedings.”
The statement said: ” In recent days we have witnessed, with horror, significant unrest, violence and racist attacks within our community.
“As HSC Employers and Trade Unions we stand together in opposing all forms of racism.
“We are extremely grateful for all our international workers who have our full solidarity and support.
“We deeply value the diversity of our workforce and are committed to ensuring our workplaces and communities are safe and harmonious environments for all our people.
“In the current climate, we are very aware that some of them may feel vulnerable or worried. As Employers and Trade Union representatives we will do everything we can to support you.
“Organisations will issue specific signposting information for anyone affected.
“It is important that we are united as a Health and Social Care community in support of all our colleagues, promoting respect for equality and diversity and opposing all forms of racism.”
7 minutes ago
Christopher Leebody
Belfast restaurant confirms they will be closed on Friday over ‘staff safety’ concerns
Belfast- based Kamakura Sushi & Ramen Traditional Japanese Restaurant has confirmed the eatery will be closed on Friday over what they said were “staff safety” concerns.
The restaurant – which has a number of branches throughout Northern Ireland – is known for their sushi and ramen dishes.
The restaurant cited a “PSNI advisory”, however police earlier in the week had hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
In a post they wrote: “We are closed today (Friday) as per PSNI advisory for our staff safety. We are sorry for any inconvenience. We will reopen on Saturday (10/08/24) on our usual trading time.”
Earlier in the week the PSNI hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
The restaurant – which has a number of branches throughout Northern Ireland – is known for their sushi and ramen dishes.
The restaurant cited a “PSNI advisory”, however police earlier in the week had hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
In a post they wrote: “We are closed today (Friday) as per PSNI advisory for our staff safety. We are sorry for any inconvenience. We will reopen on Saturday (10/08/24) on our usual trading time.”
Earlier in the week the PSNI hit back at claims of misinformation on social media, confirming they have not issued advice to employers in the city centre.
31 minutes ago
Eimear McGovern
NI football club speaks out against ‘unauthorised’ use of crest to promote protest
A Northern Ireland football club has spoken out against the use of their crest to promote a protest.
Coleraine Football Club said any such use of their crest is “unauthorised” and use is “not approved by the club”.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all our fans and the community. Any association with specific political or social movements is not reflective of our values.”
It’s not clear whether any organised protest using the crest is associated with recent anti-immigration protests across the UK.
There have been several nights of disorder in Belfast and elsewhere, including racially motivated attacks.
A number of businesses were also targeted after an anti-immigration protest at Belfast City Hall last weekend.
Meanwhile, bricks and masonry were thrown at police dealing with race-related hate crimes in the city on Thursday night.
In south Belfast, a car was also set on fire on Benburb Street and the windows of a number of houses were smashed on Kilburn Street.
In east Belfast, bins were set on fire on Castlereagh Street. A group of masked men attacked police on Flora Street, but no officers were injured.
Coleraine Football Club said any such use of their crest is “unauthorised” and use is “not approved by the club”.
“We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all our fans and the community. Any association with specific political or social movements is not reflective of our values.”
It’s not clear whether any organised protest using the crest is associated with recent anti-immigration protests across the UK.
There have been several nights of disorder in Belfast and elsewhere, including racially motivated attacks.
A number of businesses were also targeted after an anti-immigration protest at Belfast City Hall last weekend.
Meanwhile, bricks and masonry were thrown at police dealing with race-related hate crimes in the city on Thursday night.
In south Belfast, a car was also set on fire on Benburb Street and the windows of a number of houses were smashed on Kilburn Street.
In east Belfast, bins were set on fire on Castlereagh Street. A group of masked men attacked police on Flora Street, but no officers were injured.
35 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
What other events are taking place in the city tonight?
As usual on a typical Friday during the summer in Belfast there are a number of other events also scheduled to take place.
Thousands of people will be coming into the city as English ska and pop band Madness take to the stage at the Custom House Square Festival with doors set to open at 6pm.
Meanwhile at the Ulster Hall on Bedford Street close to the city centre, classical concert fans are set to enjoy the second performance in the BBC’s Radio 3 Summer Invitation Series, with doors opening from 6.30pm.
Comedy fans will also be heading to the Limelight on Ormeau Avenue for Irish comedian Dylan Moran’s gig as part of his A Work In Progress Wander tour.
In sport meanwhile, the NIFL Premiership kicks off tonight at The Oval in east Belfast as Glentoran host Crusaders at Mersey Street.
36 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
What advice has the PSNI issued?
The PSNI said it are aware of a number of protests planned for the city later today.
A spokesperson said: “We will have a significant policing operation in place, and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest.
“We would remind everyone that when engaging in protest, they should adhere to the following:
- Follow the instructions of Police
- Respect the rights of others
- Do not endanger your own safety, or that of anyone else
- Do not block a roadway or footpath
- Do not enter any building as a trespasser, or cause damage to property
- If you find yourself in a situation within a large group of people, which feels dangerous, try to leave the area as soon as possible
- If the protest involves a parade then this must be notified to the Parades Commission. Taking part in a procession that is not notified is a criminal offence and you may be liable to prosecution
- If you participate in disorder, you risk getting arrested. The penalties for being involved in serious disorder can be very high, with rioting carrying a maximum sentence of ten years in prison”
36 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
Is there any disruption to public transport today?
So far none of Belfast’s bus or rail services have been impacted by events planned for later today.
In a statement on Thursday, the public service operator said it would be working closely with the PSNI and would update passengers of any disruption later on social media platforms.
A spokesperson for Translink said: “We liaise closely with the PSNI and will continue to follow their guidance – and any diversionary routes in place.
“Any changes to Translink services will be posted on our social media channels.”
37 minutes ago
Gareth Hanna
What is planned for later today?
Two protests are scheduled to take place later in Belfast city centre.
An anti-racism ‘Unity Over Division’ rally is set to take place between 4.30pm to 7pm outside the city hall.
The protest has urged people to: “Take a stand against racism, fascism and Islamophobia by attending the peaceful counter protest.”
Meanwhile, plans for a separate far-right protest at the city hall have been spread across social media.
The protest is reportedly set to begin at 5pm.