Several businesses in Belfast are closing early or staying shut on Friday amid the planned protests due to take place in the city centre.
Belfast Chamber said it was “completely unacceptable” that businesses were having to close early or cease operating due to “the violence, or threat of violence, surrounding the protests”.
Among the businesses choosing to completely close on Friday is India Gate, an Indian restaurant and takeaway on Great Victoria Street.
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“In light of the planned protest at Belfast City Centre on Friday, 9th August, and the PSNI’s advisory regarding potential safety concerns, we have made the difficult decision to close the restaurant tomorrow,” it said.
“The safety of our staff and customers is our top priority. Our restaurant will be closed all day on Friday, 9th August, to ensure everyone can stay safe during this time of heightened concern.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.”
The restaurant also said it would re-open on Saturday.
Other businesses have announced they will close earlier than usual, including Spaghetti Arms, a restaurant located on Union Street.
It said it would shut its doors at 3pm on Friday.
A city centre opticians also said it would shut early as their “chief concern” was to ensure staff “get home safely”.
Mackey Opticians, which is located on Church Lane, said it was closing at 3pm.
“The chief concern we have is making sure our team can get home safely,” a post on social medis said.
Space NK on Donegall Square also posted a sign in its front window on Friday to say it was closing earlier than usual “for the safety of our staff and customers”.
The Public Records Office in Northern Ireland (PRONI) also said its Titanic Quarter building would shut early “due to protests in Belfast city centre”.
Meanwhile, Belfast’s Central Library closed at 2pm while suicide prevention charity PIPS also confirmed it was shutting its Belfast early on Friday.
It said it would shut at 5pm, but added: “If you are in crisis and need immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 0808 808 8000.
“Your mental health matters.”
Gavin Annon, president of Belfast Chamber, said it was “completely unacceptable” that businesses were being impacted.
“These businesses are the heartbeat of our city and the hard-working owners and staff should not have their livelihoods impacted while trying to carry out their jobs,” he said.
“This is particularly damaging during peak tourism season, projecting a very poor and inaccurate impression of our city.
“Belfast Chamber recognises people’s right to protest peacefully, and is continuing to work closely with stakeholders to address challenges such as the lack of housing, but we once again strongly condemn the violence.
“We are engaging with all relevant authorities and monitoring the situation closely.
“Our city and its business community deserve better.”
