Pubs and Bars

Pubs and bars could stay open longer under gov’s licensing reform

As part of the move, a four-week call for evidence has been announced, inviting landlords and customers to contribute their views

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Pubs and bars in England and Wales could stay open longer following the government’s launch of a fast-track review that could “tear up outdated licensing rules”.

As part of the move, a four-week call for evidence has been announced, inviting landlords and customers to contribute their views. 

The call for evidence will focus on nine key recommendations from the government’s Licensing Taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues.

The government said the review will examine how licensing rules affect outdoor dining, live music and opening hours, with a focus on supporting local economies and reducing unnecessary red tape

Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive. 

“This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together. When our locals do well, our economy does too.”

UKHospitality, which sat on the taskforce, welcomed the call for evidence, and said the group was “instrumental in shaping and securing the proposed changes”. These include the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework and a licensing condition amnesty.

Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, said: “Moving to a new and improved licensing system that works for modern hospitality businesses is critical, and I’m pleased the government is acting swiftly on the recommendations of the Licensing Taskforce.

“The taskforce, steered by UKHospitality and other industry leaders, resolved to recapture the original intent of the Licensing Act to encourage growth and meet consumer needs.

The measures we’ve put forward and now taken on by the government, including the National Licensing Policy Framework and licensing condition amnesty, help to achieve that goal.”

She added: “During this call for evidence, I urge all hospitality businesses to support these measures, to ensure that they are delivered in full. However, I am clear that these changes are absolutely not a silver bullet to solve the existential cost challenges hospitality businesses are facing.

“While we have grasped this once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernise the licensing system, we continue to campaign vociferously for material change to reduce the sector’s cost burden at the budget.”

Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, said: “Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long. Swift consultation on the Licensing Taskforce’s recommendations is key and we urge the government and industry to work together to ensure changes made at pace to address the challenges of running a modern hospitality business.

“Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures which is why the government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth.”

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