Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for a fast-track review to tear up outdated licensing rules he said have been ‘holding back pubs, bars and local events’.
The prime minister called pubs “the beating heart” of UK communities and has launched a four-week “blitz” survey of landlords, customers, and neighbours.
Plans to slash the bureaucracy will go out to a four-week consultation, so people can have their say on whether pubs should be allowed to open all through the night – or into the early hours of the morning. Under current licensing rules, English and Welsh pubs do not have universal opening hours as local authorities are responsible for granting licences to individual pubs.
Red tape has also made it harder for locals to serve food outdoors, host live music, or even keep the doors open late. Some have been forced to shut after noise complaints or because of outdated advertising laws.
The survey will focus on nine key recommendations from the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues.
On a trade visit to Mumbai, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities.
“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.
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.”
