- Four-week blitz to hear from locals and landlords on outdated
pub rules
- Aims for more community events, fewer pointless restrictions,
and a boost for high streets
- Part of the Plan for Change to help small businesses thrive
and put more cash in people's pockets
The Government is launching a fast-track review to tear up
outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars
and local events and we want to hear from the people who know
best: landlords, punters and communities.
For years, red tape has made it harder for pubs to serve food
outside, host live music, or even stay open, with some historic
venues forced to shut over noise complaints or outdated
advertising rules. Now, a four-week Call for Evidence is giving
people the chance to help fix it.
Whether it's enjoying a pint with friends while listening to a
local band, grabbing a bite from a pop-up food stall, or taking
part in a community quiz night, these changes could make it
easier for pubs and bars to offer the kind of experiences people
love.
By removing unnecessary barriers, we're helping venues bring more
fun, flavour and connection to our high streets and making it
simpler to enjoy the best of British hospitality.
Prime Minister 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.
The shake-up could mean more street food, more live music, and
fewer hoops to jump through for venues trying to bring people
together - all while keeping the public safe.
Business and Trade Secretary said:
As part of our Plan for Change, this review will help us cut
through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality
sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping
communities safe. That is the balance we're trying to strike.
We're determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back
to our high streets.
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.
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.
It comes off the back of the landmark Small Business Plan, which
in July included the most substantial measures to tackle late
payments for a generation while unlocking billions in access to
finance.
