Pubs of Ulster Welcome Report on Consultation into Liquor Licensing Laws

18 December 2013

Pubs of Ulster have today welcomed the publication of a report on the consultation on the reform of liquor licensing legislation in Northern Ireland.

The DSD consultation which Pubs of Ulster responded to in detail, included proposed changes to the law regulating the sale and supply of alcohol in Northern Ireland.  Modest changes such as an extending ‘drinking up’ time and costly regulation, were highlighted in Pubs of Ulster’s response as being very important, and as an industry, licensees are very keen to see progress and action being taken.

Chief Executive of Pubs of Ulster, Colin Neill said:

“We welcome the publication of this report and acknowledge the significant response that the consultation has generated with a number of groups and organisations in Northern Ireland. The consultation is key to how we modernise our liquor licensing laws without placing burdensome regulations on licensees.

“We have always asked for modernisation, not deregulation and will continue to support the work of the Minister and hope that his vision of a new licensing system in Northern Ireland is one that will help our hospitality and tourism industry flourish whilst still being mindful of the need to serve alcohol in an environment that is safe. 

“We look forward to reading the report in more detail and continuing to work with the Minister and his Department to ensure that new legislation is fit for a modern hospitality industry.”