Dangerous and anti-social house parties in Belfast’s Holyland student district will not be tolerated, Northern Ireland’s health minister has said.
Footage showing groups of young people congregating and drinking in the area of terraced housing near Queen’s University was “deplorable”, Robin Swann said.
Coronavirus restrictions in Belfast became legally enforceable by police on Wednesday and repeat offenders face fines of up to £960 (€1,053).
There was a strong police presence in the area on Wednesday evening, which appeared quieter than previous nights earlier in the week.
The minister said: “It is important that we take swift action because the scenes from last night demand it.”
“The Holyland situation does require urgent and coordinated action by the authorities, city council and universities.”
“We are on a knife edge. The new regulations are an attempt to strike the right balance.”
Mr Swann said the actions were deplorable but did not represent all students or young people: “I do not think they represent young people across Northern Ireland who have made sacrifices themselves.
“I do not want young people to be the scapegoats for the increase in Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.”
A special group including Stormont ministers, police and senior public health experts is meeting to consider their next move.