Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2025. 11:02 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: As Easter approaches, police have released important guidelines regarding the sale of alcohol over the holiday weekend, aiming to provide clarity for businesses and tourists alike.
Liquor is prohibited from exhibit for or actual sale, consumption or delivery on any premises during the prescribed closing period and only the license holder and employees shall be present at such premises, per Section 27 of the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act and Regulation 5 of the accompanying regulations.
A key regulation for Good Friday states that “No liquor shall be sold in a restaurant EXCEPT to a customer buying a full meal therein and consuming the liquor with the meal,” under section 9(1) of the Act. This measure is intended to promote responsible drinking.
Commanders are authorized to inspect premises in their area to ensure that all regulations are adhered to, including display of licenses, keeping away of unauthorized persons including those of ill repute and those under 18, and for supermarkets, having security guards on the premises.
The specific opening hours for various types of establishments are as follows: Publicans’ General (supermarket) license holders must cease operations on Good Friday, by 10 p.m. on Holy Saturday and remain closed on Easter Sunday. Malt liquor and cider license holders are required to close on Good Friday only, while shop and beer license holders must close between 9 p.m. through the weekend.
Hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs have their own set of regulations, with hotel license holders permitted to operate until midnight and reopening at 7 a.m., while restaurants may serve until 6 a.m. and members’ clubs stay closed between 3 and 9 a.m. Nightclubs, on the other hand, must close by 2 a.m. and stay closed till 10 p.m.; convenience stores stay closed from midnight to 6 a.m. and special licensees from midnight to 10 a.m. all four days.
Police encourage all establishments to review the full list of regulations available on their Facebook page to ensure compliance. As the holiday weekend approaches, businesses are urged to prepare accordingly while maintaining safety and responsible service of alcohol in the community. Enjoy responsibly.
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