Major event orders
Article 48A of the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and Article 26A of the Registration of Clubs (NI) Order 1996 gives the Department the power to make a major event order if it considers an event which is to take place in Northern Ireland will attract significant public interest (whether throughout Northern Ireland or in certain areas only).
What is a major event order and when does it apply?
A major event order:
- designates an event as a major event; and
- specifies the permitted hours for the sale or supply of alcoholic drinks for any place or premises or registered club, to which the order applies.
These hours are outside what is currently available under the Licensing (NI) Order 1996 and the Registration of Clubs (NI) Order 1996.
A major event order may apply to:
- all licensed premises or registered clubs in Northern Ireland as a whole or a specific area(s)
- all licensed premises of a specified kind in Northern Ireland as a whole or a specific area(s)
- any place or premises for which an occasional licence has been granted, situated on the site where the major event is taking place.
Further details regarding major events are available.
The Department for Communities is of the opinion that the following event will attract significant public interest and has designated it as a major event and made a major event order.
| Name of event | Date(s) of event | Extended permitted hours |
|---|---|---|
| 153rd Golf Open Championship | 13 - 21 July 2025 | Sunday 13 July 10:00am-12:30pm Monday 14 July - Saturday 19 July 10:00am - 11:30am Sunday 20 July 10:00am - 12:30pm Monday 21 July 10:00am - 11:30am |