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Officer advises on drinking hours Officer advises on drinking hours
(3 days later)
A senior Belfast police officer has advised against drinking hours in Northern Ireland being extended.A senior Belfast police officer has advised against drinking hours in Northern Ireland being extended.
Supt Ken Eccles was speaking after one of the busiest weekends in the city centre when 15 people were arrested.Supt Ken Eccles was speaking after one of the busiest weekends in the city centre when 15 people were arrested.
Six were later charged with disorderly behaviour and assaulting the police. He said longer drinking hours would mean problems for police and residents.Six were later charged with disorderly behaviour and assaulting the police. He said longer drinking hours would mean problems for police and residents.
Plans to reform NI's licensing laws to allow pubs to open for an extra hour will be in place by Christmas 2007.Plans to reform NI's licensing laws to allow pubs to open for an extra hour will be in place by Christmas 2007.
Supt Eccles said that the current cut off time of 0100 GMT for serving alcohol was late enough.Supt Eccles said that the current cut off time of 0100 GMT for serving alcohol was late enough.
"If they were to serve any length of time beyond that it would allow for more drinking and more disorder potentially," he said."If they were to serve any length of time beyond that it would allow for more drinking and more disorder potentially," he said.
'Night-time economy''Night-time economy'
However, the government said in a statement that the new licensing measures were "the result of careful consideration of the changes in people's social habits and the opportunities available for developing the night-time economy".However, the government said in a statement that the new licensing measures were "the result of careful consideration of the changes in people's social habits and the opportunities available for developing the night-time economy".
A spokesman said the PSNI had "fully supported" the changes and had given assurances officers would be "able to deal effectively" with any troublemakers.A spokesman said the PSNI had "fully supported" the changes and had given assurances officers would be "able to deal effectively" with any troublemakers.
The new laws will enable police to close rowdy pubs for serious disorder.The new laws will enable police to close rowdy pubs for serious disorder.
Persistent offenders could get penalty points and publicans could eventually get their licence revoked.Persistent offenders could get penalty points and publicans could eventually get their licence revoked.
Children would also be allowed to stay an hour later, until 2200 GMT, provided they are accompanied by adults.Children would also be allowed to stay an hour later, until 2200 GMT, provided they are accompanied by adults.
Bars would have to apply for an extension to open until 0200 GMT.Bars would have to apply for an extension to open until 0200 GMT.
There are no plans for 24-hour opening, as is allowed in England, Wales and Scotland.There are no plans for 24-hour opening, as is allowed in England, Wales and Scotland.