Nightlife advocacy group Free The Night has welcomed the findings of an Independent Review of the Liquor Licensing System in NI, released on 21 February 2025. The review, conducted by the University of Stirling with researchers from Sheffield and Edinburgh, sets out 26 recommendations to modernise licensing laws and bring NI in line with the rest of the UK.

The review acknowledges that NI’s licensing system is outdated and has contributed to a lack of diversity in venue types. It highlights the ‘surrender principle’ – a restrictive one-in-one-out system dating back almost 120 years – as a major barrier to growth and innovation. The review recommends this principle be substantially reformed or abolished to support both public health and the nightlife sector.

Free The Night played a key role in the review process, submitting evidence and connecting a wide range of creative industry stakeholders with the panel. Previous consultations have been criticised for a lack of engagement with the cultural sector, but Free The Night ensured that grassroots voices were heard through one-to-one and group discussions.

The review identifies the gradual loss of venue licences to off-licences, a trend linked to increased alcohol-related harm. While acknowledging that higher concentrations of pubs and clubs also pose risks, the research indicates that off-licences are more closely associated with negative health outcomes. To encourage a more balanced night-time economy, it recommends a pool of non-transferable special licences for cultural venues, designed to support small businesses, start-ups and artistic spaces. It also calls for a simplified application process for occasional licences, making it easier for pop-up events and festivals to operate without relying on existing licence holders.

NI’s lack of nightclubs is described as “striking” in the report, with a recognition that these spaces are a key part of the night-time economy elsewhere. The review suggests that restrictions on operating hours could be exacerbating the problem and should be reconsidered. Free The Night has long argued that early closing times limit cultural participation, hinder community-building and prevent venues from adapting to changing needs.

Holly Lester, co-founder of Free The Night, said: “This review validates many of the concerns Free The Night has been raising since our formation. It’s encouraging to see the impact of early club closing times acknowledged as a serious issue, alongside recommendations that could genuinely empower promoters, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Northern Ireland’s nightlife has been held back for too long by an outdated system, limiting cultural expression and economic growth. We urge policymakers to act on these findings and implement meaningful reform to create a thriving, diverse, and accessible night-time economy in Belfast and beyond.”

Co-founder Boyd Sleator added: “We want to thank the researchers and those at the University of Stirling for their work, and for making it clear that Northern Ireland has been held back for way too long by an antiquated system that only benefits the few. We now urge the Minister for Communities to move at pace to implement these recommendations.”

Free The Night will continue pushing for action on both its own recommendations and those from the review. The organisation thanked NI’s creative community, independent brewers, and grassroots venues for their role in ensuring the panel heard the need for reform loud and clear.