MLA: Please help us assess the merit of changes to Northern Ireland’s alcohol licensing laws

While we will all hold personal views on the sale and consumption of alcohol, there can be little argument that the current legislation, which has remained relatively unchanged since 1996, is in need of urgent reform.

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Communities, which I chair, is currently examining the new Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill. If passed, it will bring about a number of important changes, including the removal of restrictions over the Easter weekend, an extension to ‘drinking up’ time, as well as a proposal to increase the number of days certain licensed premises and small pubs can extend their opening hours.

A new category of licence for small local producers of beer, cider and spirits, is also contained in the bill.

We will also be closely examining the range of proposed measures that will impact on children and young people. For example, under the new law, young people would be permitted to remain on licensed premises beyond 9pm, to allow them to attend a private function, such as a wedding or anniversary party, provided certain conditions are met, for example a main meal is served and a parent or guardian is with them.

In another proposal, part of a licensed premises may be deemed suitable to hold an underage function such as a school formal.

Of course, while some of these relaxations will be considered a common sense approach, with a number of recent studies highlighting an increase in underage drinking, we are also keen to ensure that the new law includes measures to protect our children and young people in places where alcohol is served.

Changing laws is always a balancing act and we want to ensure that as well as supporting our hospitality and tourism industries, particularly important post Covid, this bill will also allow us to bring forward measures to help tackle alcohol misuse and to promote responsible consumption.

The bill sets out a number of proposals to address these issues, for example, by restricting the advertising of alcohol in supermarkets and licensed premises, as well as prohibiting retailers from allowing customers to gain or use loyalty points from alcohol purchases.

Law making is never an easy process but I firmly believe that good laws are made when the people they affect are given the opportunity to get involved and have their say.

Our ‘Call for Views’ is available on the assembly’s website at http://nia1.me/492 and will remain open until next Monday (January 18).

We are asking local people to tell us about their experiences and ideas, and, if they think the proposals in the bill go too far, or not far enough.

Respondents do not have to complete all sections of the online form and can concentrate on the areas that are most relevant or important to them.

Responses can be kept anonymous if requested and will help us as a committee to ensure that when this Bill is eventually passed, it will be robust and fit for purpose for many years to come.

• Paula Bradley is a DUP MLA & chair of Stormont’s Committee for Communities

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