Menu
30/09/2021
Liquor Licensing Laws To Change From 01 October
Northern Ireland's liquor licensing laws are set to change for the first time in 25 years, with new legislation coming into effect from 01 October, 2021.
Announced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, 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 continued: "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 2am up to 104 nights per year;
• Smaller pubs will be able to open to 1am up to 104 nights per year;
• Drinking-up time will be increased to 1 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 1am up to 104 nights per year.
Announced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, 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 continued: "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 2am up to 104 nights per year;
• Smaller pubs will be able to open to 1am up to 104 nights per year;
• Drinking-up time will be increased to 1 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 1am up to 104 nights per year.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 April 2024
Minister Marks Air Quality Improvements Since Opening Of A6 Road Scheme
Marking the first anniversary of the completion of the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Scheme, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the significant impact in reducing journey times, improving air quality and delivering economic benefits.
Minister Marks Air Quality Improvements Since Opening Of A6 Road Scheme
Marking the first anniversary of the completion of the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe Scheme, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has highlighted the significant impact in reducing journey times, improving air quality and delivering economic benefits.
09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
01 March 2024
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
Latest Hospital Waiting Times Show Scale Of The Crisis
The latest hospital waiting lists show the scale of the crisis and demonstrate the need for multi-year funding, Health Minister Robin Swann has said.
12 February 2024
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
10 July 2015
Over £1m Secured For Early Years Fund
Over £1 million in funding has been secured for the Early Years Fund. The Fund, which supports 153 early years organisations across Northern Ireland, will use the funding to ensure current services continue until March 2016. Education Minister John O'Dowd confirmed £1.1m in funding.
Over £1m Secured For Early Years Fund
Over £1 million in funding has been secured for the Early Years Fund. The Fund, which supports 153 early years organisations across Northern Ireland, will use the funding to ensure current services continue until March 2016. Education Minister John O'Dowd confirmed £1.1m in funding.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
