Alcohol licensing and registration of clubs

In Northern Ireland, alcohol may only be sold to the public in licensed premises. The Licensing (NI) Order 1996 specifies the categories of premises for which a licence may be granted.

Private Members’ clubs which wish to supply alcohol to members and guests may apply for a certificate of registration under the Registration of Clubs (NI) Order 1996.

The Department is responsible for the policy and legislation relating to the retail sale and supply of alcoholic drinks in Northern Ireland ; the courts are responsible for issuing licences; and the PSNI is responsible for enforcement.

The Licensing and Regulation of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 (the Act) made changes to the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and the Registration of Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1996. The Department has produced a guide which provides a summary of each of these provisions. All of the changes effected by the Act have now commenced.