NI: Tougher penalties for Covid-19 breaches delayed due to printing problems

NI: Tougher penalties for Covid-19 breaches delayed due to printing problems

Naomi Long

Tougher penalties for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions have not been brought into force in Northern Ireland due to delays in printing enforcement notices, Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.

The Northern Ireland Executive agreed nearly a month ago to increase the minimum fine to £200 and allow for fines on conviction of up to £10,000.

However, Mrs Long told MLAs yesterday that regulations would not be laid in the Assembly until the PSNI is ready to enforce the new fines.

She continued: “There have been some issues with delays in that because of the pressure on the bespoke printing that is required for those enforcement notices.

“However, as soon as those enforcement notices are ready to be rolled out across the Police Service, we have the regulations ready to be laid in the Chamber.”

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