The National Off-Licence Association, representing 400 independent off-licences throughout the country has issued a reminder to the public that under the new Intoxicating Liquor Act, with effect from Wednesday 30 July off-licence sales will not be permitted after 10.00 p.m.

Jim McCabe, Chairman of the Association has expressed concern that customers have not had adequate time to become aware of the new restriction on opening hours for off-licences, which was passed into law within the last week. “Our members around the country are telling us that their customers do not realise that the new earlier closing time comes into effect before the end of July and members themselves are surprised that the new restrictions on opening hours are being introduced at such short notice”, said Mr McCabe.

“When the new legislation was introduced the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform insisted that mixed retailers who sell alcohol should agree to abide by a code of practice in recognition of the recommendations of the Alcohol Advisory Group, some of which are adopted in the new licensing laws. The code of practice is to address issues such as the structural segregation of areas within supermarkets and mixed trade outlets, where alcohol is merchandised and sold, or arranging for alcohol to be sold from behind the counter. It was expected that the new trading hours would have been brought into effect at the same time as the proposed code of practice and the fact that this is not happening has caused a substantial degree of confusion amongst the public and dissatisfaction amongst specialist off-licences”, said Mr McCabe.

Under the new licensing laws off-licence sales of alcohol are restricted to the hours of 10.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and between 12.30 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. on Sundays.