29 March 2006
LICENSING LAW PROPOSALS ARE BALANCED - HANSON
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today responded to calls for him to reconsider his proposals on liquor licensing in Northern Ireland.
He said: "The proposals we published in November aim to bring licensing laws in Northern Ireland up to date, both to meet modern expectations from the public and to deal more effectively with the alcohol-related problems we currently face.
"They were drawn up with help from the police, the courts, community safety partnerships and the drug and alcohol strategy team from the Department of Health and Public Safety.
"I think they are a balanced package of measures that weigh up the rights, needs and demands of the various interested parties. They will help boost the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries. They give a clearer voice to local residents and businesses operating near licensed premises. They offer further protection for children, help tackle the issues of underage and binge drinking and contribute to Government's strategy for combating alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland.
"Today's event, organised in Westminster by the licensed trade, has majored on the proposal to end the surrender of license which will remove the restriction on entry to the trade and giving local councils the responsibility, with advice from police, residents, local businesses and other interested parties, to grant, withhold, suspend or remove licences in their areas".
The Minister countered claims that his proposals would lead to a big increase in the number of licensed premises leading to cheaper drink, lower standards and more alcohol-related problems.
He said: "Firstly, surrender has ensured that there is a limit on the total number of licensed premises in Northern Ireland, but it has not prevented the clustering of licensed premises, which is a significant cause of antisocial behaviour.
"Neither has it prevented the decrease in the numbers of traditional pubs and increase in the number of off-licenses. Alcohol consumption has continued to rise in Great Britain where surrender not exist - or in the Republic of Ireland where it does. Surrender is not a simple issue and retaining or abolishing the provision will not provide instant solution to alcohol problems. Dealing effectively with those is more complicated and requires the co-ordinated approach that I and Ministerial colleagues are proposing.
"Secondly, the courts and in due course the district councils, will have to decide on the grant of licences, not in an arbitrary manner, but taking into account the need for additional licensed premises of a similar nature in a particular vicinity. The new proposals will require district councils to come to a decision having sought the views of responsible authorities and interested parties, such as the PSNI, local residents and local businesses. All applications for a licence will be open to objection.
"Liquor licensing is not a simple one or two issue debate. It is very complex and there are competing agendas. It therefore requires responsible, informed and sophisticated consideration. I intend to take note of all the views received during the consultation before making a statement early in the Summer."
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