North: Plan to overhaul alcohol system to be unveiled
Opening hours in the North’s bars are to be extended under a radical overhaul of the licence system in the North which will be unveiled later today.
Northern Ireland Office social development minister David Hanson will launch a three-month public consultation on plans to change the way liquor licences are issued in the North.
But the minister is expected to stop short of offering 24-hour licences to serve alcohol.
In England, licensed premises can apply to extend their opening hours beyond 11pm from November 24.
This could potentially allow round-the-clock drinking in some cases.
However Mr Hanson and his officials have been quick to dampen down speculation that 24-hour drinking will be allowed in the North, arguing such claims were wide of he mark.
The minister’s proposals are also expected to address the problem of how to tackle under-age drinking.
