Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LATER LICENCE
Bars & nightclubs will extend hours under new laws
PUBS and nightclubs will be able to serve alcohol until 2am almost every Friday and Saturday if proposed changes to Northern Ireland liquor licensing laws go ahead.
And drinking-up time will be extended to an hour, meaning venues can operate until 3am at weekends.
The new Bill also suggests removing all Easter restrictions and allowing smaller pubs to apply for late opening up to 85 times a year because of the role they play in local communities.
A Liquor Licensing Bill proposed by Department for Communities Minister Caral Ni Chuilin was signed off by her Executive colleagues yesterday morning.
The key proposals include:
■ Introduction of an occasional additional late opening hour for certain licensed premises and changes to bring Easter opening hours for public houses in line with the rest of the year
■ Extension of drinking-up time
■ The alignment of the alcohol and entertainment licensing systems
■ Changes relating to children on licensed premises
■ Prohibition of self-service and vending machines
■ Formal approval for codes of practice on responsible retailing, and
■ Changes to the law affecting private members clubs.
Minister Ni Chuilin said: “On taking up office, Minister Deirdre Hargey outlined changes to the liquor licensing laws was an Executive priority under the New Decade, New Approach Deal and one she was keen to progress.
“I am pleased to announce this important legislation is moving on to the next stage. I believe these proposals represent a balanced package of measures aimed at tackling alcohol misuse and promoting responsible consumption, whilst providing vital support for the hospitality industry.
“This is needed now more than ever as the industry begins its recovery from Covid-19.”
Hospitality Ulster chief Colin Neill said: “It is an important development at a time when the industry is facing significant challenges as a result of coronavirus .
“We have been calling for these proposed changes which include removing restrictions on Easter opening hours and additional permitted opening hours for some time. “This Bill can be a defining moment for the hospitality industry, bringing much of it into line with our neighbours in the Republic and in Great Britain and making it more attractive to customers and visitors.”