If you’re heading out for a drink this weekend then you’ll probably be aware that Northern Ireland’s licensing laws mean that you’ll have to finish up early.
The below rules are in place:
- Easter Saturday , April 20: Licensed premises can sell alcohol from 11.30am until 11pm. Those with a late license can sell it until midnight.
- Easter Sunday , April 21: Licensed premises can sell alcohol from 12.30 – 10pm. A late license doesn’t have an impact in this case.
Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District (CQ BID) manager, Gareth Neill, has called for a change in laws.
He said: “Alcohol licensing laws may seem to be a small part of the economy, but what it generates is significant across hospitality, retail and service industries and at the moment we are not seeing any movement. This is costing the hospitality sector many millions of pounds through antiquated legislation.
Belfast is a progressive, cool place to be - but our drinking laws are stuck in the past
“CQ BID attended a recent Business Hustings event with electoral reps for Belfast City Council. Whilst not the lawmakers the elected representatives should be making the case and taking the mandate to the civil service to progress; with or without a minister.
“Our colleagues in the Republic have instigated change it is about time we took a pragmatic and flexible approach to a key period in the calendar.
“We have 21 licensed premises in the Cathedral Quarter who need the flexibility work within more proactive legislation.”
He added: “Everyone at CQ BID understands that this is a special time of year for those with deeply held religious beliefs.
“But, this is a time when our bars, restaurants and hotels should be thriving, rather than having their hands tied by out-of-date laws.
“Before the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Assembly some progress was being made to change our antiquated licensing laws.”
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