§ 2.15 p.m.
§ Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton rose to move, That the draft order laid before the House on 19th October be approved [28th Report from the Joint Committee].
§ The noble Baroness said: My Lords, the purpose of the Licensing and Registered Clubs (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 is to allow licensed premises other than off-licences and registered clubs to stay open for the sale or supply of alcohol throughout the night of the millennium New Year's Eve. This is a one-off relaxation of the permitted hours of drinking and is similar to that allowed for England and Wales. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 19th October be approved [28th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton.)
§ Baroness SeccombeMy Lords, I have only one question. Will the provisions outlined here be similar to those on the mainland? The noble Baroness has assured us that that is the case. We support the order and we hope that those who benefit from the advantages of the order, which is of very short duration, will act responsibly.
§ Lord RedesdaleMy Lords, we also support the order from these Benches. I believe that the problem will not be the number of off-licences and pubs that stay open all night, but the large number that will probably plan to close early.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.