Evolution: turning back the clock

In a move that’s likely to have serious ramifications for the rest of Belfast clubland, Evolution has been ordered to stop serving alcohol at 1am and to close its doors an hour later.

It’s a major blow for the nighterie which has previously run until 6am.

"Instead of re-evaluating the licensing laws to move with the times, providing employment and revenue, and enhancing the traits of our city that entice tourism," charges an Evolution spokesperson, "the authorities are instead forcing all venues to stop serving alcohol at 1am, hoping that this will force everyone back into their homes."

Belfast venues that continue to operate after this time will risk their licence – a state of affairs that Evolution believe "will give rise to a black market, run by the seedier elements of Northern Irish society, thus producing more dangerous environments for the people of our country, and for those who visit."