Social Policy

Social Policy Unit is responsible for the development of policy and promotion of legislation on betting, gaming, lotteries and amusements with prizes, liquor licensing, clubs registration, drinking in public bye-laws, opening hours for shops, street trading, the control of unauthorised encampments, hare coursing and game and game dealers' licences.

The aim is to promote and maintain social legislation in these areas by updating and streamlining the law to reflect changing social attitudes and expectations and to provide an effective framework for control and enforcement which strikes a balance between the rights of the community and the rights of individuals /organisations directly affected.

For information on legislation and leaflets/guides on social issues visit our Social Law publications page.

The Liquor Review Team (LRT) was set up in May 2004 to carry out a review of liquor licensing and clubs’ registration legislation in Northern Ireland. A consultation document “Liquor Licensing – The Way Forward” was published in November 2005 by Minister David Hanson MP who announced his proposals to Parliament in July 2006.  These were superseded by the return of the Executive.  Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA has indicated that she intends to take some time to consider in depth the issues identified by the review, and to take the views of the Social Development Committee,  before coming to a decision on the way forward

Minister Margaret Ritchie is seeking  the views of the Executive  on a change to the law to permit the Sunday opening of bookmaking offices and commercial bingo clubs , subject to restricted hours.   The  change would be accompanied by new employment protection rights for affected workers.  

The Department for Social Development  has policy responsibility for drinking in public bye-laws.  Many councils and elected representatives have criticised the  bye laws as being inadequate to control nuisance drinking in public places and the anti-social behaviour that goes with it.  Strengthened measures intended to deal  with the problem on the spot , including the confiscation of alcohol and the issue of fixed penalty notices as an alternative to prosecution proceedings, are  outside the legislative scope of local bye-laws and involve reserved (police) powers which are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Office.  The new measures are included in the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland ) Order 2008.    

If you have any queries please contact the Social Policy Unit