Hospitality Ulster launches campaign against licensing laws

In the year that the province is celebrating its the quality of its food and drink the, the hospitality sector where much of that produce is prepared and enjoyed says it is being hampered by up to 100-year-old laws and government inactivity.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Feb 2016, 16:47 BST
Updated 17th Feb 2016, 06:37 BST
Much of the work has been done and we know there is widespread support for the changes that are proposed, says Hospitality Ulster CEO Colin Neill, pictured centre with chair Olga Walls and past chair Mark StewartMuch of the work has been done and we know there is widespread support for the changes that are proposed, says Hospitality Ulster CEO Colin Neill, pictured centre with chair Olga Walls and past chair Mark Stewart
Much of the work has been done and we know there is widespread support for the changes that are proposed, says Hospitality Ulster CEO Colin Neill, pictured centre with chair Olga Walls and past chair Mark Stewart

The claim comes from Hospitality Ulster which has launched a “petition of concern” against outdated licensing laws.

Bar owners are seeking longer opening hours and the easing of restrictions on Easter trading to make up for a struggling economy and mandatory minimum wage levels.

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An online petition of concern has been launched and the public urged to send letters to Assembly members.

Hospitality Ulster said it wanted the new Assembly after the May elections to move swiftly to modernise the laws.

“For years the hospitality sector has been pushing for changes to the outdated liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland,” said CEO Colin Neill.

“We have been promised the introduction of a Bill at the Northern Ireland Assembly to make the necessary changes, however the Assembly has failed to bring it forward.

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“This is compounded by the fact that the issues contained within the Bill have been consulted upon for over four years and as time moves on, the hospitality sector is being left behind.

“We are aware that there is not enough time left in the lifetime of this Assembly, but as soon as it returns after the election, this issue needs to be a top priority.

“Much of the work has been done and we know there is widespread support for the changes that are proposed, we now need the Assembly to stop sitting on its hands and bring the Bill forward.”

The industry is seeking changes to the law to permit people under the age of 18 to attend functions on licensed premises, provided the bar is closed. It is also concerned that restrictions on Easter opening are harming business.

Some of the laws are up to 100 years old Mr Neill added.

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“We are fighting against a downturn in domestic tourism, in a struggling economy, mixed with issues relating to the likes of VAT, rates, and the National Living Wage. We simply can’t sustain this ongoing anti-business environment.

“We are an industry that is a significant driver of the Northern Ireland economy, and pregnant with opportunity as we grow the offer to consumers and tourists.

“The outmoded current legislation is simply holding us back.

“We are calling on the wider sector and public to get in touch with their elected representatives to make sure that they back the Bill in the new Assembly term.”

Related topics:UlsterColin NeillNorthern Ireland