Pub owners and members of the public urged to familiarise themselves with permitted licensing hours over Christmas

by Gráinne Connolly

Local pub owners and members of the public are being urged to familiarise themselves with the permitted licensing hours over the upcoming festive period. 

Bars or restaurants with a license to sell alcohol are required to close earlier than usual on a number of dates approaching. 
 

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, alcohol can be sold between 12.30pm and 10.00pm; on Boxing Day it can be sold between 11.30am and 11.00pm, on New Years Eve it's from 12.30pm to 11.00pm and on New Years Day 11.30am to 11.00pm. 

On all of the dates mentioned, except Christmas Day, an extension to serve for slightly longer can be granted in some cases if there is live entertainment ongoing. 

However, the opening hours are set for Christmas Day. 

PSNI have taken to facebook to post details of the permitted licensing hours, as well as extra information on staying open later with permission and linked entertainment licensing issues: 

Members of the public are also reminded to stay safe over the festive period and plan nights out ahead in order to arrange lifts home and to never drink and drive.