SIBA's Response to the Minister’s Statement on the Independent Review of the Liquor Licensing System in Northern Ireland

Commenting on the Minister for Communities statement on the review of the liquor licensing system including the surrender principle, SIBA NI Chair William Mayne said:

“Today the minister has shut the pub door on beer drinkers and NI’s independent breweries by dismissing the substantial recommendations for reforms made by the independent review of the licensing system.

“Drinkers want to enjoy a locally produced beer in our pubs but the system prevents the vast majority of NI’s brewers from selling their products locally. Instead, 99% of all beer in NI is imported and local breweries are shut out.

“The independent and detailed review was clear that the system including the surrender principle acts as a barrier to innovation and diversity and reduces consumer choice. This was the Minister’s opportunity to explore these ideas further including examining independently their impacts and costs and creating a more diverse and vibrant hospitality sector. Instead consumers and local breweries will continue to get a raw deal.”

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The Minister made a statement today (18 November 2025) in the Assembly

The response to the review can be found here - https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/dfc-response-to-independent-review-liquor-licensing.pdf

Further info: press@siba.co.uk

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