Existing liquor licences do not cover outside caterers who serve alcohol, the Liquor Licensing Authority said yesterday.

Juan Wolffe, the LLA chairman and a senior magistrate, said the authority was keen to help restaurant groups and bars who offer off-site catering regularise their position.

Mr Wolffe said at an authority meeting: “We are not seeking to stop you, but we want to raise the issue with you. Catering doesn’t fit squarely with any of the classes of licences that exist.”

Mr Wolffe raised the matter with several companies that offer catering services.

He said the authority hoped to meet the businesses to discuss the problem and make a recommendation to update the legislation.

Mr Wolffe added: “What we are going to do is set up a meeting with those of you who do catering and see if we can come to an understanding.”

Mr Wolffe also advised several restaurants to consider if they needed a nightclub licence in addition to a restaurant licence.

He explained several businesses licensed as restaurants appeared to be acting as nightclubs after the kitchens closed.

Mr Wolffe said the tactic hurt premises that had applied and paid for licences to operate as a nightclub.

He said: “It’s unfair to them. Their business is being affected by other places who act like a nightclub without permission.”