Tuesday 03 November 2020
Green Party MLA Rachel Woods has welcomed progress on the modernisation of NI's Licensing Laws during an Assembly debate.
The Licensing Bill will update and change aspects of legislation governing the sale of alcohol and the hospitality industry and will have its Second Stage reading at the Assembly today (Tuesday 03 November).
Rachel Woods MLA said: "It's ironic that the Licensing and Registration of Clubs Bill is coming at a time when many within the hospitality industry are facing into financial ruin and subject to strict restrictions due to COVID-19 and inadequate support.
"The modernisation of Licensing Laws is long overdue. The debate on our laws crops up every Easter with restrictions on the sale of alcohol that week frustrating both publicans, restaurant owners, staff and customers.
"Let's enable our hospitality industry to build back better from this crisis and address longer term issues that existed before COVID-19. Northern Ireland has so many great bars, restaurants, cafes and food and drink producers. They are in the grip of a crisis like no other.
"This legislation cannot act as a silver bullet to our current issues, but it is a start. Let's work to ensure that they can showcase all that is good about our hospitality industry."
ENDS
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