Reform of Northern Irish pub opening hours faces opposition
Both vintners and cleric criticise proposed legislation to liberalise licensing laws
DUP Minister for Communities Paul Givan. His draft Bill would see some alterations to the current pub-opening hours in Northern Ireland
An expected proposal to liberalise some of Northern Ireland’s licensing laws has been criticised by both the Northern vintners’ association and a leading Free Presbyterian cleric.
Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster, which represents Northern Ireland’s pubs, hotels and licensed restaurants, complained that the changes are too moderate while the Rev David McIlveen has warned they will further undermine the fabric of Northern society.