The Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order consolidates with amendments the law relating to licences for the sale by retail of intoxicating liquor. The principal amendments are—

(a)the kinds of premises which may be licensed are extended to include guest houses, conference centres and higher education institutions;

(b)licences to be valid for up to 5 years;

(c)the sale of intoxicating liquor is permitted along with other goods;

(d)the compulsory afternoon break in the permitted hours on a Sunday is abolished;

(e)the permitted hours for off-licences are extended;

(f)additional permitted hours may be allowed for licensed premises providing entertainment or food or both and on 20 occasions in any year for other licensed premises without any conditions;

(g)children, in the company of an adult, are to be allowed in certain licensed premises which are certified in that respect;

(h)the prohibition on a restaurant having a bar is abolished; and

(i)licensed premises are permitted to open outside the permitted hours for any purpose which does not involve the sale of intoxicating liquor.