Northern Ireland opposed to licensing reform
Pubs, political parties and the health lobby are strongly opposing Westminster's plans to reform licensing in Northern Ireland.
At a briefing event in the House of Commons last week Nicola Carruthers, chief executive of the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade Northern Ireland (FRLT), claimed the UK government's plans for reform would bring increasing health problems and disorder to the country.
The government consultation which finished on January 31 is proposing that all premises are closed by 2am, that children are allowed on the premises until 10pm and that the "surrender" principle for licences is brought to an end.
The FRLT is particularly concerned about the proposals to change the current surrender system. Under the current regime operators have to purchase an existing licence or surrender one to open a new venue.
Ms Carruthers, who represents 1,200 licensees in the region, told MPs that the whole country was opposed to the plans. An analysis of the responses to the consultation revealed that just under 99 per cent of interested parties were opposed to the plans. This included all political parties in the country.
"This is not just about the pub trade saying this - this is everyone. It is recognised we have a very good and controlled system in Northern Ireland that we want to keep," she said.
"Too many licences will mean a drop in prices and more access to alcohol."
Liver specialist Professor Roger Williamson from the University College of London Hospitals - who was George Best's doctor -also opposed the proposals.
"In Northern Ireland nobody wants these changes," he said. "Here you have a united community that does not want this."
John Grogan, MP for Selby and head of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said he supported the rights of democracy and would be writing to Peter Hain Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to support the FRLT campaign.
He said: "If devolution means anything this should be left on the table. The people of Northern Ireland and their elected representatives know best."
The government is expected to make an announcement on its decision in June or July.
