Social development minister David Hanson has set out plans for the reform of the law covering the sale and supply of alcohol in Northern Ireland.

Under the new plan, police would be able to immediately close establishments, on a temporary basis, for breaches of legislation and persistent offenders would receive penalty points and eventually lose their licences.

Licensed premises and registered clubs would be able to stay open until 2am from Monday to Saturday – an extension of one hour – and children would be able stay in pubs until 10pm if accompanied by an adult.

Hanson said in a letter to Parliament: “The last review of the law governing liquor licensing and registered clubs took place some 10 years ago. Since then the social and economic climate in Northern Ireland has changed and improved immensely.

“There is great potential for further growth in the tourism and hospitality industries and liquor licensing must keep pace with these developments.”

There will be a staged approach to the implementation of the reforms, with the first stage possibly coming into effect by Christmas 2007. More fundamental changes are expected to take place following the Review of Public Administration, which is due for completion by 2009. Details: www.dsdni.gov.uk