New rules for pubs and clubs across Northern Ireland have come into force.
From today, Friday October 1, changes to licensing laws mean venues can apply to stay open later and drinking-up time will be increased to one hour.
Rules will also be relaxed over the Easter period.
Minister Deirdre Hargey announced earlier this week that the first changes regarding licensing law reform legislation start from October 1.
The remainder of The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 will be commenced in phases over the next few years.
Some of the changes starting on October 1 include:
- Pubs and hotels can apply to open until 2am up to 104 nights per year;
- Smaller pubs will be able to open to 1am up to 104 nights per year;
- Drinking-up time will be increased to one hour;
- All additional restrictions on opening hours over Easter weekend will be removed;
- Removal of restrictions on late opening on Sunday;
- Licensed race tracks will be allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays; and
- Registered clubs will be able to open to 1am up to 104 nights per year.
Ms Hargey said: “I was pleased to be able to deliver this new legislation. The next step is to ensure it is successfully brought into operation. From 1 October, the first changes of the major reforms I have delivered will become a reality.
“This first phase will see restrictions on Easter opening being lifted meaning Easter weekend next year will be the same as any other weekend throughout the year.
“It includes pub and hotel licence holders being able to apply for later opening, providing them with more flexibility, particularly in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year.
“It will also see drinking-up time increased from 30 minutes to one hour which will support a more gradual dispersal of people from licensed premises.
“My Department will continue to engage with stakeholders to bring the remaining provisions of this reform into operation. Most of the remaining provisions will come into effect in April 2022 with some others requiring a slightly longer period.”
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