NI Government publish Liquor Licensing Code of Practice

The Norther Ireland Government has published a liquor licensing Code of Practice for Licensed Premises and Registered Clubs.

The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 added Article 76F  to the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and Article 41K  to the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. These Articles provide the Department for Communities with the power to approve a relevant code of practice produced by a person or group who have a relevant interest in matters surrounding alcoholic drinks.

A NI Government spokesperson said:

“The code of practice will provide guidance to licence holders and registered clubs’ officials on best practice and the basic standards expected in the industry regarding the display, sale, supply or promotion of alcoholic drinks on their respective premises.

“The Department will approve a code which has been produced by the Responsible Retailing Code Joint Industry Working Group on behalf of Hospitality Ulster, NI Federation of Clubs, NI Hotels Federation, NI Retail Consortium and Retail NI. The Code will be approved on 1 January 2026.

“This intervening period is intended to give licence holders and registered clubs time to familiarise themselves with the code and their responsibilities under it.

“From 1 January 2026, a court must be satisfied that when applying for a liquor licence or club registration that prospective licence holders and registered club officials are aware of their responsibilities, and in the case of renewal applications, that they have been complying with the code.”