'Two Strike Suspension' Agreed On Pubs

Stormont is to get tough on pubs and clubs that flout the law with new penalty points for licensed premises, bans on irresponsible drinks promotions and the power of closure on licensed premises being passed by the Assembly today.

The measures were included in the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Bill.

Sponsored by Social Development Minister Alex Attwood. It is expected that the new legislation will be full operational by the autumn.

The measures include radical, new penalty points where two offences means suspension if serving drink to those underage.

There will be either five or six penalty points automatically issued to those convicted of serving drink to minors, and if premises receive ten, they will be closed for a minimum of one week and a maximum of three months.

Pubs, clubs, hotels and off licences are covered by the new law.

Other powers for on-the-spot closures of licensed premises or registered clubs in the event of disorder or expected disorder for up to 24 hours are also being included and the Bill also gives the power to make regulations to restrict or prohibit irresponsible drinks promotions.

The SDLP's Alex Attwood said: "I have no issue with the sensible consumption of alcohol.

"The vast majority of licensees are good and vigilant business men and women, making a living, helping the economy and boosting tourism. My issue is with the misuse of alcohol, and its effect on health and crime," he said.

"Selling drink to people below the age of 18 is wrong and reckless I welcome the Assembly supporting me in premises being automatically closed for a significant period if they do this more than once.

"It is also fitting that where there is disorder in premises then that disorder should cease straight away with on the spot closures to protect the public," he said.

In contrast, Mr Attwood has also introduced greater flexibility to registered clubs' law by increasing the number of late bars available to clubs (up to 85 licenses) and permitting young club members to remain in the bar area until 10.00pm (for sporting clubs only).

The new laws will be in addition to those already enforced locally by councils with one Belfast nightspot slammed for repeated overcrowding - and told to halt nightclub activity.

Severe overcrowding in Rain Nightclub in Belfast city centre led to its entertainment licence being suspended by Belfast City Council for repeated incidents of overcrowding.

See: Overcrowding Recalls Stardust Disaster

(BMcC)