In October 2021, new legislation introduced aimed at modernising Northern Ireland's drinking laws came into effect. The Bill allowed pubs and hotels everywhere in Northern Ireland to apply to serve drinks until 2am up to 104 nights per year.
It also extended drinking-up time from 30 minutes to an hour, with the net effect that premises with the correct entertainment licences would not close until at least 3am.
This week, a number of popular city centre bars and restaurants got the go-ahead from Belfast City Council ’s Licensing Committee to provide entertainment in indoor venues until 3am. The council reported that a number of these extensions were granted to fulfil "customers' demand for a late night music venue".
Read more: Food and retail vendors announced for new outdoor market in Belfast
Here is a list of Cathedral Quarter locations that have a new 3am closing time:
The Dirty Onion
Belfast’s Dirty Onion has been granted an extension to its licence to provide entertainment until 3am however, it does not apply to the outdoor beer garden. They can now operate Monday to Sunday, 11.30am to 3.00am the following morning. The areas licensed to provide indoor entertainment, with their maximum occupancies are: 180 for the ground floor, 60 for the first floor, and 60 for the 'Second Fiddle'.
The Merchant Hotel
One of the most luxurious hotels in the city has also been granted a new 3am entertainment licence. As well as the hospitality venues attached to the hotel, the licence will extend to Conference Rooms 1,2 and 3, the Fourth Floor Lounge, and the four USC bars within The Merchant.
The Cloth Ear
Located on Skipper Street directly beside the main entrance to The Merchant Hotel stands The Cloth Ear who will now also be able to remain open until 3am. The days and hours during which entertainment was provided under the terms of the previous licence were Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 1.00am the following morning, and Sunday 12.30pm to 12.00midnight and that will now change to Monday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 3.00am the following morning.
Ollie's Nightclub
The days and hours during which entertainment was provided under the terms of the previous licence did allow Ollie’s and the USC First Floor Rear Bar at The Merchant to operate until 3am. It has also now been extended for Ollie's Garden Room.
Bert's Jazz Bar
Straight off the back of its AA Rosette win in recognition of the bar's dining and bar service, Bert's Jazz Bar on High Street has also been granted an extended entertainment licence to 3am.
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