OFF-LICENCES near the Holylands area in south Belfast are to voluntarily close on St Patrick's Day if requested by police.
The move is part of efforts to curb anti-social behaviour over the St Patrick's weekend when crowds of revellers usually descend on the mainly student area.
Last year five off-licences closed voluntarily for several hours on St Patrick's Day. The agreement had been reached after police had first sought closure orders through the courts.
This year it appears off-licences will remain open unless police ask owners to close them.
The PSNI last night did not say how many off-licences were part of the agreement.
However, in a statement PSNI superintendent Robert Murdie said: "In-keeping with last years' arrangements, we are pleased that a number of off-licence outlets have agreed to voluntarily close for a period if requested by police, to prevent some people celebrating to excess.
"We would like to acknowledge their contribution to helping police and the wider multi-agency partnership intention to make this as safe and peaceful day as possible."
Last year almost £9,000 of ratepayers' cash was spent tackling Holylands disorder over the St Patrick's holiday period.
Police made a similar court bid to close some off-licences during last year's Twelfth of July parade in Belfast, but the court application was withdrawn after traders agreed to shut for limited hours.
