NI's first legal sex shop opens

House of Lords backed Belfast City Council

Northern Ireland's first legally operated sex shop has opened on the outskirts of Belfast.

In April, the House of Lords backed Belfast City Council's decision not to grant a licence to a sex shop.

However, Newtownabbey Council has granted a licence for the business, which is based in an industrial estate in Mallusk.

Owner David Christie said: "There were some councillors who had issue with the application."

He added: "But I must applaud the council for making what is a brave decision, given all the hype and attention that has been focused around licence applications that have been made in the country."

Mr Christie's shop is not the easiest to find and since he opened to the public last week, he has had just three customers.

The owner of one sex shop has applied for a licence to trade at an industrial estate in the docks area of Belfast.

Trevor Martin of Belfast City Council said the decision would be a matter for councillors.

But certainly, if there has been one in Mallusk, it maybe sets a precedent, where they can turn round and say there is one there, so why not one in Dargan (industrial estate)."