About The Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade

The Federation is the only voice for the retail licensed trade in Northern Ireland, representing around 1,100 pubs, hotels and restaurants. Its history dates back to 1872, but its current structure came into being in 1985.

The retail licensed trade is an important part of the social and economic fabric of Northern Ireland, with PriceWaterhouseCoopers estimating the value of the licensed trade in Northern Ireland, which it says employs 34,000 people, at almost £1billion per year.

What does the Federation do?

The Federation's objectives are -

• To promote and improve the image, character, lifestyle and culture of the pub to existing and potential customers.
• To increase the pub's role and status as a major tourist attraction.
• To portray the local pub as the centre of social and community life.
• To promote the on-trade as the responsible and heavily regulated environment that it is.
• To offer members help and advice, and to lobby on their behalf.

What does this mean on a day to day basis?

There are always important issues facing the trade, such as underage drinking, licensing laws, new entrants, training, legal changes etc. It is only by being a member of the Federation that you can ensure that your views and opinions help to shape the future. The Federation also offers -

• Direct and local representation (via county and district associations)
• Regular updates and advice on licensing laws, health and safety, employment, weights and measures and other legislation
• Help with licence applications and renewals, and free application forms for Article 44 applications, extensions, occasional licences etc, saving you money on legal fees.
• Dedicated training department
• Free inclusion of your venue on this website
• Free copies of Hospitality Review
• Free public notices (eg measures notices) and price lists
• Other member benefits, including a dedicated property insurance scheme, discounts and bespoke services of relevance to the licensed trade.

Join the Federation now and help play your part in helping to shape the future of the licensed trade.

Click here for further information and an application form.