Northern Ireland Liquor Licence Renewals 2022 – Are you ready?

Liquor licence holders in Northern Ireland should start thinking ahead to next year's renewal deadline of 30 September 2022. 

Early preparation is particularly important for this renewal process considering the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and how they have been met by the hospitality and retail industries. Hoteliers, restaurateurs and bar owners for example may have created outdoor drinking areas and made other structural alterations to their premises in order to facilitate social distancing and ensure general public safety during the pandemic. Off-licenced premises also may have been modified or extended to meet the rising demand for alcohol sales. 

Depending on the nature of the alteration being made to a licensed premises, prior approval of the court under Article 31 of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 may be required before the alteration can lawfully be carried out. Consequently, any unauthorised alterations could potentially invalidate the licence when it comes to renewal.

We recommend that licence holders seek expert advice at an early stage to establish what steps need to be taken to ensure a successful renewal of their licence especially if the premises have been altered in any way since the last renewal in 2017. 

Our Belfast licensing team would be happy to assist you if you require any further information or assistance.  

Date published: 1 December 2021