PUB bosses have urged Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley and Shadow Secretary Tony Lloyd to intervene on the knee jerk ‘special event’ consultation by the Department for Communities and to address what they see as the north's outdated liquor licensing laws.
A delegate from Hospitality Ulster met separately with the MPs at Westminster to raise their concerns at a consultation to make a small tweak in legislation, largely to benefit the company running the hospitality services at The Open at Royal Portrush in July.
The industry body has led the charge to convince elected representative to overhaul the liquor legislation to benefit the sector, enhance the visitor and tourist experience and the wider economy.
And while there has been significant backing for the changes, little action has been taken so far following the collapse of the Assembly.
Speaking after the meetings, Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said: “While we welcome the fact that The Open is coming to Northern Ireland, we need to look at the whole picture and not just pander to the company running the event because they want to sell more drink outside of the current permitted hours.”
“We made it very clear to the Secretary of State and the Shadow Secretary of State that this small change does absolutely nothing for local pubs and restaurants who will be missing out on the revenue. Once The Open packs up, the hospitality sector will be left to operate with the same outdated laws that it has struggled with for years.
“Just because the big boys roll into town and complain, our civil servants are bending over backwards to rush through legislation, even though there is an entire Bill sitting on the shelf ready to go that will address many, if not all, of these issues. They need to listen to the rate-paying businesses here.”
He added: “If this element of the legislation can be changed on a whim, then the wider issues can also be dealt with. It couldn’t be more obvious.”
“If this consultation progresses in isolation of wider reform, it will be regarded as favouritism towards companies outside Northern Ireland and not looking after the people and businesses the politicians are here to represent.”
His comments have been echoed by consumer group Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which has more than 400 members drawn from the north's 1,200 pubs and 25 breweries.
Its regional director Sarah Crawford said: “Northern Ireland’s licensing laws mean that businesses, pub goers and tourists are at more of a disadvantage than anywhere else across these islands.
“Extending licensing hours and allowing breweries to sell local beers at special events is welcome – but this should be allowed all year round, not just at The Open.
“That’s why we are calling on the Secretary of State to widen the proposals to allow pubs to stay open for longer and to better support the beer and cider industries in Northern Ireland so that locals and tourists alike can access tasty and distinctive local brews.”
