A popular buffet restaurant in Belfast has been forced to close just days after reopening due to government Covid restrictions.
Cosmo Belfast, which is located in Victoria Square, said that they were closed by Belfast City Council due to strict rules around table service and self-service at restaurants.
Beginning on May 24, indoor hospitality, including pubs and restaurants, were allowed to reopen in Northern Ireland, but with strict mitigations including table service only.
Retail NI had previously hit out at the decision, saying that it would make things very difficult for certain restaurants, cafes and eateries.
Due to the buffet nature of Cosmo, the restaurant has said that they've had to temporarily close until restrictions are lifted.
In a statement, Cosmos said:
"Due to new Government restrictions regarding table service, we have had to temporarily close COSMO Belfast. Therefore, any reservations from today have unfortunately been cancelled. We apologise for any inconveniences caused but you can still get your COSMO fix at home by ordering by phone or in the restaurant as before.
"We’re really sad to close our doors again but will re-open as soon as the restrictions have lifted and look forward to seeing you then.
"Until then, stay safe."
Members of the public expressed their disappointment with the news on social media, as many people had booked to dine at the restaurant in the coming weeks.
One person said: "Birthday ruined but not a fault of yours."
Another added: "My girls were so excited,we were supposed to be going."
Management at the restaurant in question had told Belfast Live last month about the measures they'd undertaken to ensure Covid safety ahead of reopening.
Cosmo's Deputy General Manager Dan Ituwa said: "When we opened last year, we made sure we had a one-way system. We also have things like increased PPE, a thermal camera in the restaurant for when customers' temperatures when they come in, hand sanitisers at the entrance, then of course there's the contact tracing system.
"As well as that, we have facemasks for every member of the team and all staff members wear disposable gloves which are changed every hour. Then we'll also be doing regular cleaning of touching points and cleaning of the restaurant throughout the day."
