Pubs and bars in England and Wales may experience extended operating hours as the government conducts a fast-tracked review of existing licensing regulations, deemed “outdated.” The proposed changes aim to facilitate outdoor food service and increase opportunities for live music in venues by eliminating what are viewed as unnecessary barriers.
A four-week call for evidence will allow feedback from pub owners and local communities. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted that the review seeks to “cut red tape” and enhance foot traffic to support economic growth. However, some critics express concerns that loosening rules around alcohol sales could lead to increased antisocial behavior.
Sir Keir described pubs and bars as central to community life and emphasized the potential economic benefits when these venues thrive. The evidence-gathering process will concentrate on nine key recommendations from the government’s licensing task force, particularly focusing on simplifying alcohol licensing for hospitality businesses. Proposed measures include reducing licensing fees, extending business rates relief, and lowering alcohol duty on draught beer.
Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the licensing task force and CEO of Greene King, stated that updating the licensing system is crucial for alleviating the operational challenges faced by pubs. He noted the financial pressures that pubs are currently under and stressed the need for continued government support for the sector.
Conversely, Dr. Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, cautioned that these reforms could lead to negative outcomes without proper backing from local authorities and health experts. He warned that later alcohol sales could result in higher instances of crime, disturbances, and increased demands on emergency services.
Under the current licensing framework, pubs in England and Wales do not have uniform opening hours; instead, local authorities assign specific hours for each venue. The British Beer and Pub Association reports a continual decline in the number of pubs since 2000, with projections suggesting a loss of 378 pubs in 2025 alone, resulting in over 5,600 job losses.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1l830m55dno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss