Earlier closing times in Belfast 'a shame'

All the city's clubs now close at 2am

A leading international DJ has described earlier closing times for Belfast's nightclubs as "a shame".

All the city's clubs now close at 2am due to a voluntary agreement following allegations of illegal trading and irresponsible drinks promotions.

The Swedish techno DJ Adam Beyer was playing in the city at the weekend.

Writing on twitter he said: "Always great in Belfast, full of nutters! Shame on the new 2am license law though."

Mr Beyer, who runs the Drumcode label, plays at clubs and festivals around the world.

The new restrictive arrangements in Belfast took effect last week.

Previously some clubs stayed open until 3am.

The move to earlier closing came after controversy around the death of Joby Murphy, 20, who drowned after drinking £1 vodka shots on a night out.

Nightclub owners met Environment Minister Alex Attwood last month to discuss what he described as "irresponsible" drinks promotions.

Mr Attwood wants to make it tougher for pubs and clubs to get and retain entertainments licenses.