Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities has launched a consultation on current liquor licensing laws, their impact, if any, and what changes could be considered in the future.

The Department stated on the NI Government website that the “…consultation paper has been drafted to invite public opinion on current liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland, and to seek views on whether changes could be made in the future to ensure Northern Ireland has a more flexible and modern licensing framework to respond to changing expectations and lifestyles.”

It continued “It should be noted that any changes to licensing law must also be balanced with the need for regulation in the public interest. We are keen to hear the views of all parties with an interest in licensing law, so that relevant views and evidence can be taken into account in any future policy decisions.”

The consultation document covers a range of proposal including:

•    General Licensing System
•    Permitted hours
•    Young persons
•    Deliveries of alcohol
•    Advertising
•    Restriction on supermarkets and off-sales
•    Provision of entertainment in restaurants
•    Codes of practice
•    Remote sale of alcoholic drinks
•    Loyalty schemes

The consultation is open until 6 December 2019.