Licensing Changes In Northern Ireland
September 2006
The Government is set to change the process of issuing liquor licences in Northern Ireland . Currently there are a fixed number of licences for pubs and off licences and if an individual wants to open a new licensed premises they have to buy/surrender an existing licence.
Under proposed regulations the responsibility for issuing licenses as in England , Wales and Scotland will be passed to local authorities and the restriction on the number of licenses that are granted/in existence will be removed. There is mounting pressure on the Government from representatives from UUP, SDLP, Sinn Fein and the DUP to drop the proposed changes. However, there are a number of ardent supporters who favour the liberalization of the licensing laws and refute many of the allegations made.
The new proposals also include plans to:
- Give police new and more effective powers to enforce licensing laws.
- Create a new system of penalty points introduced for those offending licensees
- Create a new role of liquor licensing officers
- Introduce new powers for test purchasing enabling police to tackle issues of under age drinkers and the promotion of voluntary proof of age schemes.
- Relaxation of existing opening hours.
If you wish to discuss any licensing issues with regard to Northern Ireland please do not hesitate to contact one of the solicitors and we will be happy to discuss the matters further.
Watch this space for any further up dates.
Henry Watmough
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