To ask the Minister for Communities whether he intends to bring forward reform to licensing laws to allow the hospitality industry to maximise local and tourism income during the holidays.

Alcohol is not an ordinary product and the sale of it must be regulated to ensure the protection of public health and the preservation of public order.

I recognise that certain aspects of liquor licensing law in Northern Ireland are in need of reform and I have copied a paper to my Executive colleagues seeking agreement to introduce a Licensing Bill.

Provisions in the draft Bill mainly flow from the consultation carried out by one of my predecessors in 2012.

The Bill includes a number of measures to tackle practices which may encourage alcohol misuse, safeguards for children and young people and some minor changes to opening hours.

In recent years, drinking patterns in Northern Ireland have changed. 70% of drink is now sold for consumption at home rather than in the relatively controlled environment of a public house. It is important that our legislation is updated to take account of these changes.

When I have received comments from my Executive colleagues and agreement to the introduction of the Bill I will publish full details of the measures contained in the Bill.