Write a commentAlthough at present local bars and clubs have to remain closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, there is at least some good news on the horizon. Legislation to update licensing laws passed the Second Stage for the bill following a long debate at Stormont yesterday, Tuesday 3 November. The Bill still has some stages to travel but It is hoped that it could be in force by Easter 2021 meaning that restrictions on Easter closing times would change.
The law if passed would mean that venues could apply to serve drink for an extra hour till 2am every weekend with an hours drinking up time.
Speaking of the proposals during yesterdays Assembly sitting Communities Minister Carál Ní ChuilínI said " I am removing all additional restrictions on licensed premises and registered clubs over the Easter weekend.
"That will mean that, for licensed premises and registered clubs, the Easter weekend will be treated like any other weekend throughout the year."
The Minister explained the period of drinking-up time at the end of a licensed premises' and registered club's permitted hours will be extended by 30 minutes to one hour. "That will discourage customers from stockpiling drinks during last orders and drinking too quickly and will allow for a more gradual dispersal of people onto the streets, allowing staff more time to clear the premises in an orderly fashion. It will reduce the impact on communities at closing time, in particular allowing people to remain inside while waiting for a taxi."
The Bill would also give powers to designate an event as a major event and vary the licensing hours. This is intended only for prestigious events, such as last year's Open golf championship in Portrush or the MTV European music awards.
Minister Carál Ní ChuilínI continued "Those pubs and hotels that are already permitted additional hours to 1.00 am will be permitted to apply for an additional hour up to 2.00 am up to 104 times a year. That would, in effect, allow later opening every weekend, but, equally, late openings could be saved for special occasions, such as New Year's Eve if it occurs during the working week. Liquor licences and entertainment licences will be aligned so that the entertainment cannot continue after the end of drinking-up time. That will ensure that there is no opportunity for illegal sales of alcoholic drinks and ensures a level playing field for all licensed premises."
Smaller pubs that do not provide food or entertainment will be allowed to apply to the police for late opening to 1.00 am on up to 85 occasions an increase from the present 20. Larger pubs that have late opening granted by the courts will also be allowed to apply to the police for ad hoc late nights up to 20 times a year. That will mean that they can react to late-notice events that are on days not included in those allowed by the courts.
Local producers of ciders, beers and spirits would also be permitted to apply to the court for a liquor licence that will permit them to sell their own product from their own premises for consumption off the premises.
Long Overdue
Justin McNulty welcomed the proposed modernisation of licensing laws but said that the legislation should also go further to provide the opportunity for breweries and craft distilleries to sell their products on-site.
“The liberalisation of the North’s antiquated licensing laws is long overdue and the SDLP has been pressing for reform for some time. This legislative change will provide vital support for the hospitality industry, which is needed now more than ever, as it deals with and seeks to recover from COVID-19." said Mr McNulty
The MLA continued “The local hospitality industry supports thousands of jobs, contributes £1.2bn every year to our economy and is a key cornerstone of our growing tourism industry. Modernising our licensing laws is critical to the continued growth in this key sector. But it also speaks to our values as an open, modern society.
“Publicans and the public will be particularly pleased at proposals to remove the antiquated and draconian restrictions on Easter opening. The current crisis has also highlighted the need for legislation that contains in-built flexibilities that allow the hospitality industry to respond to whatever the future may throw at us.
Mr NcNulty concluded “The legislation is not perfect however and I am disappointed that the Minister did not take the opportunity to push the case for reform further to include our breweries and craft distilleries. It is incredible that these businesses, which are leading the charge on sustainability and innovation in the sector are still prevented from selling their products on site. We are tying one hand behind their backs. The SDLP will make the case for amending the bill to reflect these priorities at Committee stage and we’ll continue to support our hospitality sector.”
