Menu
27/06/2006
Minister discusses liquor licensing proposals
Social Development Minister David Hanson has today met with representatives of the Federation of Licensed Retail Trade and politicians to discuss liquor licensing proposals in Northern Ireland.
Following the meeting the Minister said: “The consultation exercise launched last November is now complete and all of the responses are being assessed. I expect to make an announcement shortly on the draft legislation which will have been shaped by the consultation exercise. That legislation will be considered next year by the House of Commons, or indeed the Assembly if it is up and running."
Mr Hanson continued: “I welcome today’s meeting with the Federation and the cross-party delegation. There was a lot of common ground between my position and that of the delegation on the proposals in the consultation document. There are also some areas of disagreement, and I will reflect on the issues raised before making a decision on the final proposals to go forward into draft legislation.”
Earlier today, a cross-party delegation of local politicians said that they were to meet with the Minister to express their concerns against the proposed changes to relax liquor licensing legislation.
The MPs said the proposals "could see every corner shop being able to sell alcohol."
The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, who is leading the delegation, said they would be urging "an emphatic no to the removal of the current cap on liquor licences."
He added that they will be stressing that the Minister must not push ahead with his proposals and disregard the views of the general public, health professionals, district policing partnerships, local councils and community organisations and added that the current liquor licensing system should not be tampered with.
(EF/GB)
Following the meeting the Minister said: “The consultation exercise launched last November is now complete and all of the responses are being assessed. I expect to make an announcement shortly on the draft legislation which will have been shaped by the consultation exercise. That legislation will be considered next year by the House of Commons, or indeed the Assembly if it is up and running."
Mr Hanson continued: “I welcome today’s meeting with the Federation and the cross-party delegation. There was a lot of common ground between my position and that of the delegation on the proposals in the consultation document. There are also some areas of disagreement, and I will reflect on the issues raised before making a decision on the final proposals to go forward into draft legislation.”
Earlier today, a cross-party delegation of local politicians said that they were to meet with the Minister to express their concerns against the proposed changes to relax liquor licensing legislation.
The MPs said the proposals "could see every corner shop being able to sell alcohol."
The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson, who is leading the delegation, said they would be urging "an emphatic no to the removal of the current cap on liquor licences."
He added that they will be stressing that the Minister must not push ahead with his proposals and disregard the views of the general public, health professionals, district policing partnerships, local councils and community organisations and added that the current liquor licensing system should not be tampered with.
(EF/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2021
Liquor Licensing Legislation Passed By NI Assembly
A Bill to modernise NI's liquor licensing legislation has completed its final stage in the Assembly, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced. The Minister said that the licensing Bill was a priority for the her when taking up post and that she was delighted to deliver this much anticipated reform.
Liquor Licensing Legislation Passed By NI Assembly
A Bill to modernise NI's liquor licensing legislation has completed its final stage in the Assembly, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced. The Minister said that the licensing Bill was a priority for the her when taking up post and that she was delighted to deliver this much anticipated reform.
30 September 2021
Liquor Licensing Laws To Change From 01 October
Northern Ireland's liquor licensing laws are set to change for the first time in 25 years, with new legislation coming into effect from 01 October, 2021.
Liquor Licensing Laws To Change From 01 October
Northern Ireland's liquor licensing laws are set to change for the first time in 25 years, with new legislation coming into effect from 01 October, 2021.
14 March 2003
Liquor licensing extension to include Odyssey Arena
Indoor arenas such as the Odyssey Arena will be able to apply for a licence to sell alcohol under changes to be introduced to licensing legislation. At present the Odyssey Arena relies on the discretion of the court to grant occasional licences permitting alcohol to be sold at events such as music concerts.
Liquor licensing extension to include Odyssey Arena
Indoor arenas such as the Odyssey Arena will be able to apply for a licence to sell alcohol under changes to be introduced to licensing legislation. At present the Odyssey Arena relies on the discretion of the court to grant occasional licences permitting alcohol to be sold at events such as music concerts.
13 August 2014
Environment Minister Calls On London To Resolve DVA 'Issues'
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has said the Minister for Transport in London must deal with problems being faced by people in Northern Ireland over the licensing of vehicles, since the Drive Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea took on responsibility. Minister Durkan said he had written to Minister Robert Goodwill over the issue.
Environment Minister Calls On London To Resolve DVA 'Issues'
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has said the Minister for Transport in London must deal with problems being faced by people in Northern Ireland over the licensing of vehicles, since the Drive Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in Swansea took on responsibility. Minister Durkan said he had written to Minister Robert Goodwill over the issue.
17 June 2013
New Licensing Proposals For 'Cafe Culture'
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has outlined proposals for a new licensing scheme that would enable cafe, bar and restaurant owners to seek permission from local councils to place tables and chairs in public places. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland introduced a Pavement Cafe Bill into the Assembly today.
New Licensing Proposals For 'Cafe Culture'
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has outlined proposals for a new licensing scheme that would enable cafe, bar and restaurant owners to seek permission from local councils to place tables and chairs in public places. Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland introduced a Pavement Cafe Bill into the Assembly today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
