Northern Ireland

Krispy Kreme 'to apologise' over Belfast doughnut giveaway

A Krispy Kreme van parked outside Belfast City Hall quickly moved on once council officials got involved
A Krispy Kreme van parked outside Belfast City Hall quickly moved on once council officials got involved A Krispy Kreme van parked outside Belfast City Hall quickly moved on once council officials got involved

KRISPY Kreme has said it will apologise to Belfast City Council after a doughnut giveaway in Belfast yesterday ended when they were confronted by council officials over the lack of a permit.

The US company was handing out 7,000 boxes of free doughnuts to shoppers and passers-by when council staff stepped in after a lengthy queue of people formed around Belfast City Hall.

In a statement released today, Krispy Kreme said: "Yesterday, on a rainy day in Belfast, Krispy Kreme decided to spread a little joy by sharing some doughnuts outside Belfast City Hall.

Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts 
Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts  Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts 

"Krispy Kreme was delighted to see so many smiles but is now aware that a permit was required to follow this out. Krispy Kreme is writing to Belfast City Council to apologise and wishes to make a donation of £250 to local charity, MACS, as well as a few doughnuts too."

The company organised the PR stunt to mark the opening of their first Irish store in Dublin this month. The company has previously confirmed plans to open in the north.

Last night Belfast City Council released a statement welcoming Krispy Kreme's generosity but said prior notice should have been given.

“This was a wonderful impromptu gesture that raised the spirits of people in Belfast city centre," the statement said. 

"However, Belfast City Council was not informed of the giveaway ahead of time and so had been unable to advise of the need for a permit to distribute free advertised goods.

Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts 
Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts  Queues formed around Belfast City Hall as Krispy Kreme gave away free boxes of doughnuts 

“Our enforcement team work hard to keep the city streets free of litter so the staff member intervened as part of his daily duties to explain that to carry out this type of activity requires a permit.

“We encourage everyone to carry out random acts of kindness and understanding and can provide advice and guidance to support such initiatives.”

Last June Krispy Kreme, who have over 1,000 stores around the world, including the UK, incorrectly advertised for staff at a new store in the North Down district, but later clarified the notice was in fact for a new store in England.