Changes to Northern Ireland alcohol licensing law

Northern Ireland liquor licensing laws to be modernised

The Northern Ireland Assembly have passed Bill that modernises alcohol licensing laws. The changes will allow for more flexibility for businesses. The Bill also contains measures to restrict the availability and promotion of alcohol as well as added protections for children and young people. It is expected that most of the changes will come into effect in October 2021.

The changes include:

• pubs and hotels can apply to open until 2:00 up to 104 nights per year
• smaller pubs will be able to open to 1:00 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
• opening hours on Sunday evenings will be the same as any other night
• there will be flexibility around opening hours for bars at major events
• a new category of licence will be created for local producers of craft beers, ciders and spirits
• cinemas will be able to apply for a liquor licence and serve drink to customers watching a movie
• sporting clubs will be able to use their grounds for functions up to six times per year
• registered clubs will be able to open to 1:00 up to 104 nights per year
• self-service of alcohol and sales by vending machines will be prohibited
• restrictions will be placed on off-sales drinks promotions
• loyalty schemes will not be able to award or redeem points for the sale of alcoholic drinks

For information on the current rules see selling alcohol.