First substantial changes to licensing laws in 25 years to take place in October
The first changes from new legislation to reform liquor licensing laws here will come into effect on 1 October 2021, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced.
The first phase will mostly involve the extension of opening and drinking-up times, which will be a welcome boost for the hospitality sector in the lead up to the festive season.
The remainder of the The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, which the Minister successfully brought through the Assembly earlier this year, will be commenced in phases over the next few years.
The Minister said: “I was pleased to be able to deliver this new legislation. The next step is to ensure it is successfully brought in to operation. From 1 October, the first changes of the major reforms I have delivered will become a reality.
“This first phase will see restrictions on Easter opening being lifted meaning Easter weekend next year will be the same as any other weekend throughout the year.
“It includes pub and hotel licence holders being able to apply for later opening, providing them with more flexibility, particularly in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.
“It will also see drinking-up time increased from 30 minutes to one hour which will support a more gradual dispersal of people from licensed premises.”
The Minister added: “My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders to bring the remaining provisions of this reform into operation. Most of the remaining provisions will come in to effect in April 2022 with some others requiring a slightly longer period.”
Some of the provisions coming into effect on 1 October include:
• Pubs and Hotels can apply to open until 2.00am up to 104 nights per year;
• Smaller pubs will be able to open to 1.00am up to 104 nights per year;
• Drinking-up time will be increased to one hour;
• All additional restrictions on opening hours over Easter weekend will be removed;
• Removal of restrictions on late opening on Sunday;
• Licensed race tracks will be allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays; and
• Registered clubs will be able to open to 1.00am up to 104 nights per year.
The Department has issued guidance to licence holders which is available at:
Kellie Armstrong Welcomes Licensing Law Changes.
Alliance Communities spokesperson Kellie Armstrong MLA has welcomed the impending changes to local licensing laws, which will come into effect later this week.
The changes, which will begin on Friday, include pubs and hotels being allowed to open until 2am up to 104 nights a year, drinking-up time being increased to an hour and the removal of additional restrictions over Easter weekend. Further changes will come into effect over the next few years.
“It is welcome to see these changes about to finally take place,” said Ms Armstrong.
“Alliance has led the way for many years for the liberalisation of our drinking laws, particularly around the closures and restrictions over Easter, as a result of repeated calls from the hospitality sector and the public. This modernisation is long overdue and I hope it will bring many benefits to the hospitality industry, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
“However, other aspects of the Bill, such as the local producers’ licence will be introduced over the coming months. That will allow us a fantastic opportunity to develop more local craft breweries into tourist attractions and grow that market.
“I believe the changes in this Bill will balance support for businesses and the health issues or alcohol-related crime, while helping boost the night-time economy as we move out of the pandemic.”
