Sunday gambling ban to be lifted

Bookmakers' offices will be able to open on Sundays

The government has announced plans to allow bookmakers and bingo halls in Northern Ireland to open on Sundays.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom where these premises have to close on Sundays.

The changes would allow bookmakers' offices to open between 1030 GMT and 1830 GMT and bingo clubs to open between 1400 GMT and 2300 GMT.

There are also plans for new employment rights to protect staff who do not want to work on Sundays.

Members of the public and interested parties have 14 weeks to respond to the proposals.

Proceed

If the government then decides to proceed, the new law could be introduced in 2008.

However, if the Stormont assembly is restored, it could decide not to implement the proposed changes.

Minister for Social Development David Hanson MP stressed that the "changes are only proposals at this stage".

"Some betting and bingo club workers may not wish to work on a Sunday," he said.

He said any relaxation of the Sunday restrictions would be accompanied by "important new employment rights for such workers".

"I wish to ensure that all those interested will have an opportunity to comment and I encourage them to do so," Mr Hanson said.

"I am inviting comments from a wide spectrum of opinion to ensure any decisions taken are well-informed on all of the issues highlighted in the consultation period."