Consultation
5.There has been consultation with all bodies with a known interest in liquor licensing and all organisations representing equality interests under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. Following responses to a Consultation Paper published in July 2002, the Department concluded that the principal Order should be amended to include indoor arenas among the premises for which liquor licences may be granted.
6.A Proposal for a draft Order in Council and an Explanatory Memorandum were published in July 2003. Following responses, a proposal to make an additional amendment to the principal Order was published in February 2004. The additional amendment would relax in relation to kiosks and other salespoints in indoor arenas, the restrictions on young persons under 18 years of age in parts of licensed premises where intoxicating liquor is sold or consumed. Overall responses to the Proposal for a draft Order and the proposed additional amendment were favourable.