Several national chains with outlets in Belfast have moved to cashless payments as the trend grows across the high street — but the shift has sparked some backlash from consumers.

Belfast Live has investigated which well-known businesses in the city are refusing to accept cash and contacted the companies involved for comment.

Those confirmed as operating cashless policies are largely concentrated in the hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafés and hotels, though the approach has also spread to other industries such as telecommunications.

Japanese food restaurant chain YO! Sushi displays prominent signage at the entrance of its Victoria Square location stating that it does not accept cash. The company was approached for comment but did not respond.

Malmaison, the boutique hotel chain with a location on Victoria Street, also operates a predominantly cashless model. However, the company said staff are permitted to accept cash in certain circumstances.

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A spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Malmaison operates a predominantly cashless model across our hotels, reflecting guest preferences and supporting safe, efficient service. We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all and recognise that on occasion, a guest may not have access to a cashless payment method. In these circumstances our teams are empowered to accept cash.”

While some chains have publicly confirmed cashless policies, this does not necessarily mean every outlet under the same brand follows the same approach.

Domino’s Pizza, for example, moved towards cashless payments during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, a spokesperson said decisions are made by individual franchise owners. Belfast Live contacted several Domino’s outlets across the city, with a number confirming they still accept cash.

The company is not alone in this franchise-led approach, and customers are advised to check with individual stores before assuming a location is cashless.

Pizza Hut is another chain that operates cashless policies in some locations, though this may not apply universally. Customers are advised to check payment options when placing orders. Belfast Live contacted Pizza Hut for comment but did not receive a response.

Italian restaurant chain Zizzi, which has two Belfast locations, advertises itself as cashless. The company was contacted for comment but did not respond.

Its website states: “To provide the smoothest and fastest payment experience, and to keep our teams safe, we are cashless and we encourage card, Apple Pay or Google Pay transactions.”

Popular Mexican restaurant chain Boojum, which has four Belfast locations, also operates a cashless policy.

A statement on its website reads: “Every Boojum store has been operating as card and contactless only since March 2020. This reflects changes in consumer behaviour post-pandemic and allows for faster service and shorter queues.”

The chain did not respond to a request for comment.

The Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre, located on Talbot Street, is another cashless venue. Belfast Live confirmed this directly with the hotel, which also applies the policy to its SQ restaurant and bar. The venue did not respond to an email request for comment.

Chocolate café chain Knoops, which has a store in Victoria Square, states on its website that all locations are cashless. The company’s media department did not respond to Belfast Live’s enquiry.

Telecommunications retailer VodafoneThree, which operates two stores in Belfast, confirmed both locations are cashless.

A spokesperson said: “Following the creation of VodafoneThree, we are aligning our processes across all our stores in the UK, including moving to cashless. We have already seen benefits, including a reduction in fraud, and we are supporting customers with the change.”

Latin-inspired bar and restaurant Revolución de Cuba, which has a Belfast location, currently operates a cashless policy. However, a spokesperson told Belfast Live the approach is under review.

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They said the policy was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to support safety and efficiency but acknowledged that payment preferences vary and a spokesman said the company is reconsidering its position.

A significant portion of UK adults now live largely cashless lives, relying on contactless cards and mobile payments for everyday purchases. But as digital payments become the default for many, questions are being raised about accessibility, consumer choice and whether some people risk being left behind as cash continues to disappear from the high street.

The ongoing closure of bank branches on high streets is also playing a role in a move away from cash. With fewer physical banks available, both customers and businesses are increasingly reliant on digital payment systems. For some businesses, security concerns are another factor, as holding large amounts of cash on-site can pose risks — something contactless payments help to reduce.

In the weeks ahead, Belfast Live will continue exploring this issue in more detail as we seek answers from businesses, campaigners and others to determine whether the move towards cashless payments across the board is inevitable.

What do you think about the decline of cash in Belfast? Are you a business or a consumer that wants to add to the series? Email Rob.Currell@reachplc.com

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Jo Coles was speaking after Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake called for a review of a North Yorkshire Police officer’s decision to file a safeguarding report on a farming family when attending a reported burglary at their home.

The MP said he did not believe the force’s response was “proportionate or appropriate” after the family complained to him.

Speaking at this week’s North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting in the wake of the MP’s comments, City of York councillor, Michael Pavlovic, asked what instructions police officers received in respect of child protection and safeguarding.

In response, the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said she had spoken to the force’s safeguarding teams to seek assurances following the incident.

She added: “My understanding is that safeguarding should be everyone’s responsibility.

“Certainly, all the lessons from all the public inquiries that I’ve been aware of are that actually the mistakes, the errors and the failures that have taken place historically have taken place when institutions and agencies weren’t talking and were ignoring warning signs.

“If there is any agency who may feel that there is any reason why they shouldn’t be raising a concern that would be a concern to me.

“If we had people thinking in our community that they shouldn’t be raising safeguarding concerns because a political figure might come down and criticise them for it, I think that is a deeply, deeply dangerous place to be.”

The Deputy Mayor said public servants should feel they could report safeguarding concerns if they have them, and that they would be investigated in the proper way by professionals.

“We should be ensuring that our public services, our police officers, our social workers, our firefighters or whoever it might be, who might be making one of those safeguarding referrals, can do so without fear of comeback from either a political figure or anybody else for that matter.”

Mr Hollinrake wrote to the force after receiving a complaint from a constituent that a police officer was called to a report of an attempted burglary at an unnamed farm on November 17, last year.

But while at the home, police say the officer noticed a “strong odour” and that the home appeared unclean, with sticky and dirty surfaces and floors.

The officer decided to submit a public protection notice (PPN) following the visit due to children being in the house, an action which can trigger a multi-agency safeguarding response.

North Yorkshire Police has defended the officer’s actions, saying they “did the right thing” and that the incident was an example of “the safeguarding system working as intended”.

He tried to claim he had no idea what was secreted within the bath panel but he finally changed his tune

A drug dealer was found in possession of more than 60 wraps of crack cocaine hidden underneath a bath panel when police raided his home. Examination of his mobile phone revealed he was involved in supplying both crack cocaine and cannabis.

Tomiwa Salami, 18, was arrested on October 22 last year at his flat in Newport after a search warrant was executed by police. The address in Capel Crescent, Pill, was searched and 62 wraps of crack cocaine were seized from underneath the bathtub.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court heard police also recovered cannabis, mobile phones, and other electronic devices from the address. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

When arrested the defendant claimed the cannabis was for his own personal use and denied knowing about the crack cocaine.

Salami later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, and possession of Class B drugs.

The defendant was sentenced to a total of 26 months imprisonment.

Following the hearing Pc Kieron Gibbs, of Gwent Police, said: “During our investigation the evidence we gathered from a mobile phone seized showed clearly that the defendant was involved in the sale and supply of crack cocaine and cannabis.

“Salami claimed that the cannabis was for personal use and that he had no knowledge of the crack cocaine recovered from the bathroom.

“However, when confronted with the evidence, the defendant admitted the charges he faced in court.

“We’re grateful to the continued support from our communities whose valuable information helps us bring people who only seek to profit from the vulnerable by selling and supplying drugs to justice.”

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Pure protection products help people deal with financial shocks. They typically include life insurance, which pays out in the event of death or a terminal illness; critical illness cover, which pays a lump sum if the policyholder is diagnosed with a specified serious illness; and income protection insurance, which provides regular payments if someone is unable to work due to illness or injury.

It is packed full of treats and community

A pink box full of sweet treats has been causing a bit of a stir on social media, and there’s more to it than meets the eye.

The Cake Shed in Donaghadee is absolutely packed full of delicious baked goods. It ranges from cookie pies and cheesecakes to cupcakes and school cakes.

The idea came to Lyndsay Smyth, an experienced baker, when her friends asked her to make various baked treats. With a background in baking birthday and wedding cakes, she wanted to offer everyone the chance to get their hands on her sweet treats in the simplest way possible.

It all “fell into place” when her friend had a larder cupboard going spare, and she decided to turn it into The Cake Shed. All it took was a lick of paint and some enhancements, like the money box, to bring it to life.

However, there’s a little more to this pink cake shed than meets the eye because the team also use some of the money they make to support great causes. At the end of 2025, they made a donation of toys to Little Heroes, which is an independent Charity supporting the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

Lyndsay and the team, which is made up of friends and even her son, have been delighted about the recent attention their project has received. Saying that it “has blown them out of the water” because people are travelling from far and wide to sample the baked goods.

The Cake Shed runs on an honesty system, which means you can go along, pick what you’d like to buy, and leave the money in an envelope. There is also the option to send the money directly to the team running it if you have forgotten cash. The team behind it have said that the system is working really well and there have been no issues with it so far.

The Cake Shed is open Monday to Friday, so it is the perfect spot to pick up your weekend treat. It opens from 10 am to 8 pm each day. Although she has recommended being quick, as they have been known to sell out, especially with best sellers like the cookie pies.

The box has received a full 5-star food hygiene rating from the council and also clearly displays all allergens. It is like a small bakery with a twist.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

LIVERPOOL and Manchester City collide in a mouth-watering Super Sunday clash from Anfield this weekend.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Liverpool vs Man City preview

It’s been a title battle in recent seasons but with the Reds out the picture for that, City are the ones needing the win to keep within touching distance of Arsenal.

Both teams arrive at the game fresh off the back of thumping Newcastle, with Arne Slot’s side 4-1 winners last weekend in the league.

Having beaten Qarabag 6-0 in the midweek previously too, it’s been a great response having been beaten by Bournemouth in the league.

It’s eight unbeaten now at home for Liverpool but the three draws in there to Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley sort of epitomises their campaign.

For City, their win over the Toon came in midweek when securing their spot in next month’s Carabao Cup final.

Pep Guardiola’s men somehow managed to throw away a dominant, first half 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 and have again fallen six points behind Arsenal in the table heading into the weekend.

They’ve already beaten Liverpool comfortably this season and anything less than three points here could see them fall too far behind in their title pursuit.

Liverpool vs Man City betting odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

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US civil rights lawyer and activist Nekima Levy Armstrong says she was “disgusted” after the White House posted an image of her arrest which was edited to show her in tears.

She was detained for organising a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Minnesota church last month.

BBC Verify’s Jake Horton spoke to Levy Armstrong about the manipulated image and the backlash she has faced.

Produced by Tom Joyner. Graphics by Mark Edwards.

Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Instagram addressing the suspected kidnapper who abducted her mother, Nancy.

In the 20-second video, she says that her family has “received your message” and “will pay” for their mother’s return.

“We received your message and we understand,” the Today anchor said. She was joined by her brother, Camron and sister Annie, with the siblings all holding hands.

She included the same caption on the video that she has in all of her previous videos: “Bring her home.”

“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her,” Guthrie said. She added that her mother is “very valuable to us” and “we will pay.”

open image in gallery

On Wednesday, the family addressed the suspected kidnapper for the first time in another video address.

“Our mom is our heart and our home. She’s 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie said in the video.

In Wednesday’s video, Guthrie said that she and her family “have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media” and that “as a family, we are doing everything that we can.”

“We are ready to talk,” she said.

Guthrie then asked for proof that her mother was still alive.

“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen,” she said. “Please. Reach out to us.”

On Thursday, Camron posted his own video on behalf of his family, asking the suspected kidnappers to contact them.

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly,” he said in the video. “We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first, we have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you and we are waiting for contact.”

open image in gallery

The new message from Guthrie’s family comes just one day after President Donald Trump told reporters that “some answers” were possibly coming regarding the suspected kidnapping.

“We have some clues that I think are very strong, and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon,” Trump said.

He did not provide further details.

On Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged reports that there was a ransom note sent to news outlets making demands for Nancy Guthrie’s release, and noted that it was “following all leads.”

The sheriff, Chris Nanos, told CBS News on Monday that he believes Nancy Guthrie was abducted. Bloodstains, confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie, were located outside her home in the Tucson, Arizona area.

“I believe she was abducted, yes,” Nanos said. “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed a second straight game with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr as he continues his strike.

Ronaldo, 41, returned to training this week but was not in the matchday squad named by boss Jorge Jesus.

The Portuguese forward missed his side’s game against Al Riyadh on Monday but football officials had hoped he would play against Al Ittihad on Friday.

According to Sky Sports News, officials felt Friday’s fixture would be too big to miss and believe his strike is harming the image of the Saudi Pro League (SPL).

It is further reported the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels his side are not being backed financially as much as their title rivals Al Hilal.

Both clubs are owned by The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia‘s sovereign wealth fund.

Al Nassr recorded their second successive victory without Ronaldo, beating Al Ittihad by 2-0 thanks to goals from Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel.

They now lie second in the SPL, one point behind Al Hilal.

Ronaldo is earning a reported £500,000 a day in the Middle East and has 18 months remaining on his deal.

Read more:
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer
Ronaldo joins Saudi Crown Prince during White House visit

The Saudi Pro League had publicly warned the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star before the game.

‘No individual determines decisions beyond their club’

A spokesperson for the SPL said: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.

“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.

“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”

They added: “Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.

“The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.

“The focus remains on football – on the pitch, where it belongs – and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”