Drinking-up time set to be extended in pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland

Pubs alcohol laws relaxed
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 16th Jul 2020
Last updated 16th Jul 2020

Pubs and nightclubs in Northern Ireland are going to be able to stay open for longer.

Significant changes to liquor licensing laws were agreed today (Thursday) at Stormont.

Under the plans drinking up time will be extended until 2am - so venues can close at 3 at the weekends.

And, strict rules for serving alcohol over the Easter holidays will also be relaxed.

The plans will now be included in a Bill which will go before the full Assembly for approval.

Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill welcomed the plans which he said were "vital" and what customers have been looking for, for years.

He said it now needed to be passed through Assembly as quickly as possible without any adjustments.

Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, who made the announcement said the proposals would transform and modernise the liquor licensing law, "striking a balance between tackling alcohol abuse and bolstering the hospitality industry."

She said: “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 support is needed now more than ever as the industry begins its recovery from COVID-19.

“The changes will also enable local drinks producers to sell their products directly to the public in limited circumstances, make changes to the law affecting registered private clubs and allow changes to permitted hours at major events, such as last year’s Open golf championship. The amendments will also include new restrictions on advertising of alcoholic drinks and introduce a statutory code of practice on responsible retailing.”

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.