Licensing Reform Programme: call
for evidence analysis
Detail of outcome
This call for evidence sought views on a number of
recommendations from the Licensing taskforce report
and government response.
In total, the call for evidence received over 2,000 responses
from a wide range of interested parties. Responses showed broad
support for an overarching objective of a consistent, transparent
licensing system that empowers local authorities while promoting
economic growth, cultural development, public safety and
community wellbeing.
This government response summarises the issues raised by
respondents in relation to the National Licensing Policy
Framework, licensing amnesty, and an increase in the number
of Temporary Events Notices (TENs). A more detailed analysis
coving the wider taskforce recommendations will be published in
due course.
Original call for evidence
Summary
Seeking views and evidence to develop a modern, proportionate and
enabling licensing system under the Licensing Act 2003.
This call for evidence ran from
8 October 2025 to midday on 6 November 2025
Call for evidence description
The government invites views and evidence to inform the
development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing
system.
This call for evidence builds on the Licensing Taskforce
recommendations and the government's response and
supports the government's commitment to reduce
regulatory burdens by 25% by the end of this Parliament.
This call for evidence focuses on the ‘on trade' in relation to
alcohol sales, for example pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, and
on all entertainment licensed under the Licensing Act 2003.
Who should respond
- licensed businesses and trade bodies
- local authorities and licensing officers
- police and other enforcement agencies
- cultural and community organisations
- residents' advocacy groups
- legal, planning and regulatory professionals
- public health organisations
- local news publishers
- members of the public
Introduction
The government's licensing reforms aim to create a modern,
proportionate, and enabling system that supports economic growth,
revitalises high streets and fosters vibrant communities.
Central to this vision is reducing administrative burdens on
businesses by 25% while maintaining strong safeguards for public
safety, crime prevention and public health.
The current licensing system, under the Licensing Act 2003 and
supported by statutory guidance, regulates activities such as the
sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment and late-night
refreshment. Local authorities issue licences and enforce
conditions based on 4 licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm
Applications for, and variations to, licences are assessed
against these objectives. The aim of the licensing system is to
support vibrant local economies while ensuring communities are
safe and protected, with businesses benefiting from a fair and
proportionate regulatory framework. However, as the taskforce has
said, over the years the balance of the system has shifted, with
greater weight being given to public safety and crime prevention,
under the statutory licensing objectives, and less of a focus on
business resilience and growth.
Reform of the regime seeks to streamline outdated processes,
improve consistency across local authorities and better integrate
licensing with related regimes such as planning, community
cohesion, tourism and cultural policy. It should promote
fairness, transparency and responsiveness to local needs, while
encouraging innovation and investment in hospitality, leisure,
culture and night-time economies. Through mechanisms like a
national licensing policy framework, a licensing condition
amnesty and continuing the transition towards online systems, the
government aims to make systems more effective and efficient,
empowering local authorities and businesses alike. Reform will be
shaped through broad stakeholder engagement, including this call
for evidence.
Strategic initiatives such as zoning, promotion of tourism and
growth, and enhanced training for licensing officers will help
ensure effective delivery.
As part of our commitment to rebalance the licensing system, as
reforms are implemented we will monitor their impact on the
existing licensing objectives, on local authority and police
resources, on public health, and on business resilience and
growth.
This call for evidence focuses on those proposals where the
taskforce indicated there is potential for the greatest benefit.
Other proposals, including some taskforce recommendations, will
be considered further in due course and consulted on as
appropriate.
Documents
Reforming the licensing system:
call for evidence questions
