Do we think it's about time that Northern Ireland Assembly updates the current law on licensing here?
It's no surprise to anybody here that Northern Ireland's licensing laws are a bit outdated for the 21st century and it's not just people on the streets saying this, as there is also a petition from Hospitality Ulster demanding change to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland.
This weekend pubs across the city will feel the pinch with licensing laws as pubs will have to close early and trade will be lost and is revealed that Hospitality industry loses £16m over Easter period because of limited drinking hours.
It's no surprise to anybody here that Northern Ireland's licensing laws are a bit outdated for the 21st century and it's not just people on the streets saying this, as there is also a petition from Hospitality Ulster demanding change to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland.
This weekend pubs across the city will feel the pinch with licensing laws as pubs will have to close early and trade will be lost and is revealed that Hospitality industry loses £16m over Easter period because of limited drinking hours.
A lot of tourists to Northern Ireland are always surprised by the Easter Licensing Laws in Northern Ireland here as in the UK these laws don't exist during Easter Holidays.
We expect that a lot of bars throughout Easter weekend to lose a lot of trade and custom due to these laws but do we reckon it's time for a change?
Here is Hospitality Ulster snapshot survey found that lost revenue over the Easter period is expected to be:
Top hospitality chiefs are asking the public's help with a petition to call time on restrictive licensing laws and Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster has said "The industry is now at boiling point. There is anger about losing out on potential revenue; anger about losing trade to the Republic of Ireland in the border areas; and anger that the NI Assembly has left this issue hanging by not bringing forward the Bill that would modernise liquor licensing here.
We are an industry that creates wealth, gives jobs to people and pays a significant amount of tax. We are one of the biggest players in the economy in Northern Ireland and cannot sustain working under such draconian legislation. It’s a crazy situation when alcohol is still available to purchase in supermarkets and off-sales (with the exception of Easter Sunday) as early as 8am in the morning but not in a place that is safe and regulated – the pub.
You can find out more and sign the petition here
So we wanna hear your views on this issue. Is it time for change in Northern Ireland? Vote in our poll below and share your views
We expect that a lot of bars throughout Easter weekend to lose a lot of trade and custom due to these laws but do we reckon it's time for a change?
Here is Hospitality Ulster snapshot survey found that lost revenue over the Easter period is expected to be:
- Pubs £12.1m (Average expected loss £9,251 across 1,309 pubs)
- Hotels £1.6m (Average expected loss £10,575 across 152 hotels)
- Restaurants £2.1m (Average expected loss £3,859 across 559 restaurants)
Top hospitality chiefs are asking the public's help with a petition to call time on restrictive licensing laws and Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster has said "The industry is now at boiling point. There is anger about losing out on potential revenue; anger about losing trade to the Republic of Ireland in the border areas; and anger that the NI Assembly has left this issue hanging by not bringing forward the Bill that would modernise liquor licensing here.
We are an industry that creates wealth, gives jobs to people and pays a significant amount of tax. We are one of the biggest players in the economy in Northern Ireland and cannot sustain working under such draconian legislation. It’s a crazy situation when alcohol is still available to purchase in supermarkets and off-sales (with the exception of Easter Sunday) as early as 8am in the morning but not in a place that is safe and regulated – the pub.
You can find out more and sign the petition here
So we wanna hear your views on this issue. Is it time for change in Northern Ireland? Vote in our poll below and share your views
