Belfast bar changes name after cease and desist letter
A Belfast bar has been forced to change its name after it “ruffled feathers” in Italy.
Santeria on Fountain Street will become ‘Orisha’ after staff noticed some unwanted “international recognition” last year from Italy, followed by a cease and desist notification.
“Firstly – thank you to everyone that’s come to visit and drink with us since we opened in 2019. We really appreciate it – and of course, never worry, we are going absolutely nowhere,” the bar said on social media, alongside a video which shows an animation of a cease and desist letter.
“It appears last year our bar and cocktails ended up with a bit of international recognition. Unfortunately in Milan, Italy, Santeria Belfast appears to have ruffled a few feathers… they just couldn’t have it.
“In turn, their charming lawyers sent us a polite Cease and Desist order (gave us a pizza their mind) on the use of our name.
“Sure it’s a s**t name for a bar anyway. In all seriousness, we will miss it, but we are ready to move on. So let’s go!! Orisha Belfast.”
It is unknown which Italian establishment took issue with the Belfast bar.
