Council supports liquor licence change as Lidl opens pub
A council has called for an increase to alcohol licences as the city plays host to German supermarket giant Lidl opening its first ever pub.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s environment committee has called for greater opportunity for alcohol licences amid concerns the current system is outdated and “stifling business”. The Dept. for Communities has launched a public consultation on the effectiveness of current liquor licensing with a deadline of June 23.
Cllr Gary Hynds added: “Personally I think our response could be strengthened on the consultation regarding barriers to entry and market competition as well as the reform that’s needed. “Yes there is progress on it, but it continues to be quite outdated and to me it stifles competition and entrepreneurship. It can make it really difficult for new entrances because of the costs involved and the surrender principle.
“I think we should strengthen up on the concerns felt by many in the public in regards to the barriers to new businesses. At the moment there is no encouragement for people to get into the industry. “We are so behind the rest of the UK and Europe in many ways.”
In NI, liquor licences are limited with a need for the surrender principle, which is a one-in-one-out licensing rule. Anyone wanting to open a new pub or off-licence cannot simply apply for a new permit; they must first acquire and relinquish to the courts an existing, active licence from a business that has closed. This has brought about the situation in Dundonald when Lidl opened its first ever pub, which is to be called ‘The Middle Ale’.
Ald. James Baird added: "We have heard in the media about the supermarket (Lidl) that has now become a pub and that was because of the restrictions on liquor licensing. “There is still an adequate amount of them. The smaller venues that are closing are doing so due to lack of trade.”
A council officer brought forward an amendment to the consultation response, saying: “Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council wishes to add the additional comment on regards to the liquor licensing regime.
“It is considered that the opportunity for competition can be limited based on the surrender principle and would support greater flexibility to ensure increased opportunity for competition and encourage business start up.”