The Department for Communities has confirmed a statutory change specifying City of Derry Airport as an “international airport” for liquor licensing purposes. The Order took effect on 2 April 2026 and is made under Article 53(1) of the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, according to the Department’s published screening note. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
Practically, the designation modifies how permitted hours apply inside the airport’s secure area. Article 41 of the 1996 Order generally prohibits the sale, purchase, consumption or removal of alcohol outside permitted hours; however, where an airport is designated under Article 53 and premises are within an approved “examination station”, that prohibition does not apply. DfC summarises the effect as allowing trading when the airport is operating. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
The change applies only to licensed premises inside the examination station approved under section 22 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979-a defined part of an aerodrome used for passenger embarkation/disembarkation. DfC’s screening document explains this is essentially the airside area beyond security, not landside cafés or shops. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
For context, the Department notes current general permitted hours in Northern Ireland: for pubs, 11:30 to 23:00 Monday–Saturday and 12:30 to 23:00 on Sunday; for off‑licences, 08:00 to 23:00 Monday–Saturday and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sunday. The airport designation does not alter these statewide norms; it creates a specific statutory exception for airside licensed premises at the designated airport. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
Article 53 requires two conditions for designation: a substantial amount of international passenger traffic, and reasonable facilities on the licensed premises for obtaining hot and cold non‑alcoholic beverages whenever alcohol is obtainable. DfC states it assessed 2024 passenger data and confirmed such facilities are in place at City of Derry Airport, meeting the statutory test. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
Licensees operating airside should review operating procedures to ensure continuous availability of non‑alcoholic hot and cold drinks during alcohol service and to maintain clear demarcation that service occurs only within the approved examination station. Usual duties on age verification, promotions and responsible retailing remain fully in force, including adherence to the Department‑approved code of practice now embedded in the Licensing Order from 1 January 2026. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
For passengers, the change means the airside bar or restaurant may serve alcohol in line with flight schedules, including early departures or late arrivals, subject to the airport’s operational hours and the premises’ own staffing and safety policies. Landside venues at the airport, and all other premises across Northern Ireland, continue to observe general permitted hours. (communities-ni.gov.uk)
DfC’s equality screening classed the measure as a new policy and did not recommend a full Equality Impact Assessment. The screening reiterates the legal basis in Articles 41 and 53 and confirms commencement on 2 April 2026. (communities-ni.gov.uk)