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02/11/2005
Reformed alcohol sale plans revealed
Social Development Minister David Hanson today published proposals for reforming the law on the sale and supply of alcohol in Northern Ireland.
The new proposals recommend changes in two stages. The first, which could take effect by mid-2007, include a modest extension to opening hours for those who wish to apply. This will provide for potential opening up to 2am from Monday to Saturday, with no change to the existing midnight closing time on Sundays. Extensions beyond 2am may be granted for special circumstances/major events. Additional enforcement powers for police such as temporary closure powers and a penalty points system for breaches of the legislation are also proposed.
More fundamental changes are expected to take place following the Review of Public Administration which is due for completion by 2009. These could include the transfer of responsibility for licensing from courts to district councils, the introduction of a dual system of personal and premises licences to replace existing categories of licence and the removal of the requirement to surrender a licence before a new one may be granted.
Commenting on the plans, the Minister said: "The last review of the law governing liquor licensing and registered clubs took place ten years ago. Since then the social and economic climate in Northern Ireland has changed and improved immensely.
"The peace dividend has altered the shape of the tourism and hospitality sectors and of our town and city centres. Liquor licensing law must keep pace with these developments and with modern expectations."
Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Leighton said it was important that current legislation is revised to reflect the ongoing changes in Northern Ireland's social and economic climate. "The measures proposed today provide a well-balanced approach to the challenges posed by those changes. The resulting package of measures presented for consultation is, in the view of the Police Service, responsible, proportionate, balanced and forward-looking," he said.
(MB/SP)
The new proposals recommend changes in two stages. The first, which could take effect by mid-2007, include a modest extension to opening hours for those who wish to apply. This will provide for potential opening up to 2am from Monday to Saturday, with no change to the existing midnight closing time on Sundays. Extensions beyond 2am may be granted for special circumstances/major events. Additional enforcement powers for police such as temporary closure powers and a penalty points system for breaches of the legislation are also proposed.
More fundamental changes are expected to take place following the Review of Public Administration which is due for completion by 2009. These could include the transfer of responsibility for licensing from courts to district councils, the introduction of a dual system of personal and premises licences to replace existing categories of licence and the removal of the requirement to surrender a licence before a new one may be granted.
Commenting on the plans, the Minister said: "The last review of the law governing liquor licensing and registered clubs took place ten years ago. Since then the social and economic climate in Northern Ireland has changed and improved immensely.
"The peace dividend has altered the shape of the tourism and hospitality sectors and of our town and city centres. Liquor licensing law must keep pace with these developments and with modern expectations."
Deputy Chief Constable, Paul Leighton said it was important that current legislation is revised to reflect the ongoing changes in Northern Ireland's social and economic climate. "The measures proposed today provide a well-balanced approach to the challenges posed by those changes. The resulting package of measures presented for consultation is, in the view of the Police Service, responsible, proportionate, balanced and forward-looking," he said.
(MB/SP)
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