Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COOL HEADS CALL AS ULSTER SIZZLES
Police warn public to stay away from beauty spots during hot weekend
POLICE have called for people to avoid beauty spots this weekend as the sun is set to scorch Northern Ireland.
Assistance Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “We will be increasing our patrols, focusing on crowds gathering.”
Meanwhile, new figures showed more than half of all Covid-19 deaths involved care home residents.
A PUB stopped from delivering Guinness during the lockdown is set to resume the service after taking legal action against the police.
Hatfield House in South Belfast had been pulling pints on people’s doorsteps until it was forced to suspend the operation last month.
Staff then arrived at their homes in a specially fitted van, pouring drinks into plastic glasses while wearing protective gloves.
Beers were left on doorsteps to ensure a no-contact service.
But police intervened amid claims the service breached licensing legislation.
The owners of the Ormeau Road bar launched a High Court challenge, with a hearing listed yesterday for interim relief.
The dispute centred on whether it violated licensing laws to pull pints by the side of the road when they were pre-ordered and paid for.
However, a judge was told a potential resolution has been reached following talks between the publican and senior police.
If agreed steps are taken the draught beer delivery service is expected to restart imminently.
A final conclusion to the case is set to be confirmed next week.
Mr Justice Mcalinden urged lawyers to formalise a position “to ensure there’s an element of legal certainty which can be relied upon by others who may wish to engage in a similar provision of service in the community while restrictions on pub opening remain”.
Yesterday, police said they are “satisfied” a number of issues they were concerned about have been addressed. Chief Supt Jonathan Roberts added: “The public will be aware that in this unprecedented time of national health emergency, the priority for the PSNI has been protecting and supporting our communities, keeping people safe and highlighting the importance of adhering to the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020.
“A number of weeks ago we became aware of a Belfast licensee offering a draught beer home delivery service. At that time, we identified a number of issues with this proposal and advised the licensee that it was not compliant with Article 3 of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
“The licensee discontinued the service at that time. It is important to highlight this is a very complex matter as any such service needs to satisfy a number of legislative requirements.
“PSNI are now satisfied that with the development and implementation of changes in the service and appropriate undertakings in respect of insurance and health and safety legislation and bespoke terms and conditions of sale, this service could comply with the applicable legislation.”
Meanwhile, crowds of people soaked up the warm sunshine as they flocked to parks.
Shoppers also splashed the cash in Lisburn, Co Antrim, as we begin to move out of the lockdown. It has led to more road traffic and the reopening of the outside grotto at St Mary’s on Chapel Lane in
central Belfast.