1 December 2006
CHANGES TO LICENSING LAW PUBLISHED
Changes to the licensing law were published for comment today by Social Development Minister David Hanson MP.
The draft Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) (NI) Order 2007 will introduce stronger enforcement powers for the police and provide for a modest extension of opening hours.
Announcing details of the Order which was drafted following earlier public consultation, the Minister said: "The proposed Order will give the police the power to temporarily close disorderly premises and the courts the power to impose penalty points for a range of offences following conviction.
"Later opening to 2.00am will be available to those licensed premises entitled under the existing law to open to 1.00am and to registered clubs. However, I have decided that there will be no change generally to Sunday opening hours. Nor will there be any change to the opening hours for off-licensed premises."
The Minister confirmed that under the draft Order, extensions beyond 2.00am may be granted for the screening of sporting events of national and international interest. It will also provide additional flexibility to allow children to attend functions on certified licensed premises and registered clubs up to 10.00pm, when accompanied by an adult. The draft Order will revoke the financial controls and accounts formats for registered clubs in favour of best practice guidance.
The Minister added: "In this round of changes, I have tried to balance the economic and social advantages of more flexible licensing law with the public interest and public safety. I believe these proposals will help promote a safe, welcoming environment in town and city centres where the evening and night-time economy can flourish and will encourage investment, variety and high standards of service in the hospitality, tourism and entertainment sectors."
The Minister also expressed his hope that the legislation needed to implement these changes and others planned for 2009 will be taken forward by a restored Assembly.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The closing date for comments on the draft Order is 28 February 2007.
- Comments should be sent to:
Department for Social Development
Liquor Review Team
Level 1, James House
2/4 Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Ormeau Road
Belfast
BT7 2JA
Tel: 028 9081 9151
Fax: 028 9081 9147
Text phone: 028 9081 9148
Email: LiquorReviewTeam@dsdni.gov.uk
- The draft Order will amend the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and the Registration of Clubs (NI) Order 1996.
- Further reform of the licensing law will be linked to the implementation of the Review of Public Administration. Measures will include:
- Moving responsibility for granting and renewing licences and certificates of registration from courts to district councils.
- The introduction of six new objectives to underpin licensing policy - Promotion of public health; Promotion of public safety; Prevention of crime and disorder; Prevention of public nuisance; Protection of children from harm; Fair treatment of all stakeholders.
- Replacing the current twelve categories of licence in favour of a dual system of personal and premises licences.
- Abolishing the provision which requires an existing licence for a pub or off-licence to be "surrendered" to a court before a new one may be granted, subject to an assessment of the business impact.
- For media enquiries please contact the Information Office on 028 9082 9078.
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