South Down MLA Chris Hazzard (Sinn Féin) has welcomed a move by the assembly to bring forward a bill on liquor licensing reform in the north of Ireland.
Mr. Hazzard said that the South Down area, particularly holiday destinations, would benefit greatly from the reform.
Speaking following the announcement, Mr.Hazzard said:xa0“I want to welcome the announcement today that a bill is to be brought forward to reform the current liquor licensing laws we have here in the six counties. Indeed I have went on record numerous times expressing the concerns raised regularly with me by local publicans about the archaic licensing laws that currently exist here and the extremely detrimental effect that they have on our local economy.”
“This initial process is long overdue and will be a welcome move for our local business people. More must be done to promote and encourage the growth of hospitality sectors across Down, especially in towns such as Newcastle and Warrenpoint where our eateries and pubs are a huge tourist attraction.
“Sinn Féin have consistently pushed for the extension of drinking hours throughout the year as well as the regulation of licensing laws at periods such as Easter in order to allow publicans to take advantage of holiday periods and I am pleased that these will be included in the Ministers proposals.
“We will continue to push the Minister in the months ahead in order to bring our licensing laws into the 21st century.”
