Northern Ireland

Consultation launched on restrictions surrounding the sale and supply of alcoholic drinks at 'special events' in NI

The 148th Open takes place at Portrush in July. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The 148th Open takes place at Portrush in July. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The 148th Open takes place at Portrush in July. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

A CONSULTATION has been launched on the restrictions surrounding the sale and supply of alcoholic drinks at 'special events' in Northern Ireland.

The Department for Communities (DfC) said in advance of the 148th Open at Royal Portrush in July, it is seeking views on changing the law to provide the power to designate an event as 'special'.

It said if an event was given the status, then permitted hours for the sale of alcoholic drinks at the event could be varied.

The department said it was "consulting at this time because a change in law before the 148th Open takes place will contribute to the success of the event and improve the prospects of this event and others coming to Northern Ireland in the near future".

The consultation period will run until May 3.