22/02/2011
'Two Strike Suspension' Agreed On Pubs
Stormont is to get tough on pubs and clubs that flout the law with new penalty points for licensed premises, bans on irresponsible drinks promotions and the power of closure on licensed premises being passed by the Assembly today.
The measures were included in the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
Sponsored by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood. It is expected that the new legislation will be full operational by the autumn.
The measures include radical, new penalty points where two offences means suspension if serving drink to those underage.
There will be either five or six penalty points automatically issued to those convicted of serving drink to minors, and if premises receive ten, they will be closed for a minimum of one week and a maximum of three months.
Pubs, clubs, hotels and off licences are covered by the new law.
Other powers for on-the-spot closures of licensed premises or registered clubs in the event of disorder or expected disorder for up to 24 hours are also being included and the Bill also gives the power to make regulations to restrict or prohibit irresponsible drinks promotions.
The SDLP's Alex Attwood said: "I have no issue with the sensible consumption of alcohol.
"The vast majority of licensees are good and vigilant business men and women, making a living, helping the economy and boosting tourism. My issue is with the misuse of alcohol, and its effect on health and crime," he said.
"Selling drink to people below the age of 18 is wrong and reckless I welcome the Assembly supporting me in premises being automatically closed for a significant period if they do this more than once.
"It is also fitting that where there is disorder in premises then that disorder should cease straight away with on the spot closures to protect the public," he said.
In contrast, Mr Attwood has also introduced greater flexibility to registered clubs' law by increasing the number of late bars available to clubs (up to 85 licenses) and permitting young club members to remain in the bar area until 10.00pm (for sporting clubs only).
The new laws will be in addition to those already enforced locally by councils with one Belfast nightspot slammed for repeated overcrowding - and told to halt nightclub activity.
Severe overcrowding in Rain Nightclub in Belfast city centre led to its entertainment licence being suspended by Belfast City Council for repeated incidents of overcrowding.
See: Overcrowding Recalls Stardust Disaster
(BMcC)
The measures were included in the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.
Sponsored by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood. It is expected that the new legislation will be full operational by the autumn.
The measures include radical, new penalty points where two offences means suspension if serving drink to those underage.
There will be either five or six penalty points automatically issued to those convicted of serving drink to minors, and if premises receive ten, they will be closed for a minimum of one week and a maximum of three months.
Pubs, clubs, hotels and off licences are covered by the new law.
Other powers for on-the-spot closures of licensed premises or registered clubs in the event of disorder or expected disorder for up to 24 hours are also being included and the Bill also gives the power to make regulations to restrict or prohibit irresponsible drinks promotions.
The SDLP's Alex Attwood said: "I have no issue with the sensible consumption of alcohol.
"The vast majority of licensees are good and vigilant business men and women, making a living, helping the economy and boosting tourism. My issue is with the misuse of alcohol, and its effect on health and crime," he said.
"Selling drink to people below the age of 18 is wrong and reckless I welcome the Assembly supporting me in premises being automatically closed for a significant period if they do this more than once.
"It is also fitting that where there is disorder in premises then that disorder should cease straight away with on the spot closures to protect the public," he said.
In contrast, Mr Attwood has also introduced greater flexibility to registered clubs' law by increasing the number of late bars available to clubs (up to 85 licenses) and permitting young club members to remain in the bar area until 10.00pm (for sporting clubs only).
The new laws will be in addition to those already enforced locally by councils with one Belfast nightspot slammed for repeated overcrowding - and told to halt nightclub activity.
Severe overcrowding in Rain Nightclub in Belfast city centre led to its entertainment licence being suspended by Belfast City Council for repeated incidents of overcrowding.
See: Overcrowding Recalls Stardust Disaster
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 March 2024
Justice Minister Condemns Attacks On Police Officers
NI Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has condemned attacks on police officers, after it was revealed that on average 8 officers are assaulted every day while on duty. Minister Long said: "Attacks on police officers, indeed attacks on any public servant are totally unacceptable.
Justice Minister Condemns Attacks On Police Officers
NI Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has condemned attacks on police officers, after it was revealed that on average 8 officers are assaulted every day while on duty. Minister Long said: "Attacks on police officers, indeed attacks on any public servant are totally unacceptable.
13 February 2024
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
NI Fastest Growing UK Region For New Companies
Northern Ireland was the fastest-growing region of the UK for newly registered companies in 2023, according to a new index from Ulster Bank and Beauhurst. The New Startup Index highlights how in 2023 Northern Ireland gained 14,000 new companies, a 59% increase on 2022.
21 March 2024
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
BCC Unveils Refreshed Strategic Plan For Belfast City Centre
New plans to support the most vulnerable in Belfast while growing the economy, regenerating neighbourhoods and achieving climate targets have been published in a refreshed strategic plan for the city. First published in 2017, the Belfast Agenda set out joint vision for the city up to 2035.
20 March 2024
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
19 March 2024
New Cost-Of-Living Support For NI Community Groups
New funding has been announced to support 287 Voluntary and Community organisations across Northern Ireland, funded through Department for Communities Voluntary & Community Division (V&CD) and Community Empowerment Division (CED).
New Cost-Of-Living Support For NI Community Groups
New funding has been announced to support 287 Voluntary and Community organisations across Northern Ireland, funded through Department for Communities Voluntary & Community Division (V&CD) and Community Empowerment Division (CED).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.