Opening hours are to be extended in the North under an overhaul of the licence system unveiled today by the British government.
Under a major overhaul of current licensing laws, the Northern Ireland Office Social Development Minister David Hanson revealed that opening hours could be extended by one hour to 2am from Monday to Saturday by mid-2007.
Pub opening hours may be extended in Northern Ireland
Under the changes, district councils could decide if liquor licences should be granted to pubs, clubs and hotels.
The minister has decided not to grant 24-hour drinking licences.
Instead clubs, bars and hotels could apply for special licences allowing extensions beyond 2am for one-off events such as major sporting events broadcast during the night or wedding celebrations.
At the launch of a three-month consultation exercise, Mr Hanson said the decision to move Northern Ireland towards the English and Welsh system of councils deciding licences would make the process more transparent and accountable to the public.
It is envisaged councils will take over the power once the review of public administration in the province is completed by 2009.
The last review of liquor licensing in Northern Ireland occurred 10 years ago and Mr Hanson said the social and economic climate in the province had changed and improved considerably.
"The peace dividend has altered the shape of the tourism and hospitality sectors and of our town and city centres," the minister said.
"As we speak, Belfast is hosting a major conference of retail developers and shopping centre managers who are considering the many opportunities that Northern Ireland's towns and cities have to offer.
David Hanson
"More exciting growth and new challenges lie ahead for Government and the community. Liquor licensing law must keep pace with these developments and with modern expectations."
Mr Hanson's predecessor John Spellar first announced plans to review the licensing system in March last year.
The British government's proposals were drawn up after consultation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), other government departments including the Department of Health's drug and alcohol strategy team, and the Courts Service.
PSNI deputy chief constable Paul Leighton endorsed the measures today. He said: "The measures proposed today provide a well-balanced approach to the challenges posed by the changes in Northern Ireland's social and economic climate.
"The resulting package of measures presented for consultation is, in the view of the police service, responsible, proportionate, balanced and forward-looking."