the first time on Good Friday next week.

The ruling comes after Senators finally rubber-stamped new licensing regulations which are set to change the Island's drinking habits.

But while some regulations have been eased, politicians hope the new law will make it harder for youngsters to get their hands on liquor.

Licensing hours have generally been extended under the new Act. Hotels and restaurants will now be able to serve alcohol from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. while nightclubs can serve from 12 noon until 3 a.m. They will also be able to serve on Sundays and all public holidays, including Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Members clubs can serve drink between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m. throughout the week but other clubs will be restricted to serving between 10 a.m. and 1 a.m and will not be able to serve alcohol until noon on Sundays.

And tour boats have absolutely no restrictions on what time they can provide alcohol to their passengers.

The regulation also means restaurants will now be able to serve alcohol outside their premises if guests are eating al fresco.

But tougher laws have been introduced to stop under-age drinkers from getting hold of booze.

Under 18s have been banned from all licensed clubs and licence holders could be convicted if they allow teenagers onto their property.

They also have the right to demand picture identification to show proof of age. If an under age drinker provides a false ID they could also be prosecuted.

Under previous legislation, teenagers were allowed into licensed premises as long as they were accompanied by somebody over the age of 21.

Restaurants and hotel bars can serve alcohol to adults who are accompanied by children but only until 11 p.m. After that no liquor will be served if children are still on the premises.

All licence holders have to ensure teenagers employed on the premises will not be involved in the sale or serving of alcohol.

Shops and supermarkets have also been targeted by the new regulation.

Although liquor sales do not have to go through a separate checkout and cold take-outs can still be sold, the sale of miniatures has been banned.

Deputy Premier Jerome Dill said the redraft of the original act had been made following consultations with community groups.

"After listening to people in the community what we have decided to do is ban under 18s from going into clubs even if they are accompanied by an adult,'' Mr. Dill said.

The regulations came into effect on Wednesday after being signed by Governor Thorold Masefield.