Last week, the government launched a call for evidence on proposed changes to outdated licensing laws affecting the hospitality industry. The proposals were put forward by the licensing taskforce that I co-chaired earlier this year alongside then Department for Business & Trade minister, Gareth Thomas. 

The recommendations of the taskforce were never about extending licensing hours – which was what you would have thought if you read some media titles last week; they are about delivering longer term improvements to a system that is no longer fit for purpose. Some of the headlines and reactions wrongly focused on extended hours, and that misinformation detracts from the proposed changes that were put forward which, we believe, will remove some of the barriers and unnecessary red tape that stifles our industry through the licencing process. This is at a time when the cost of doing business has never been higher, and when we have to fight every day to keep pubs open and profitable. 

It is stating the obvious to say licensing reform isn’t the silver bullet that will solve our industry’s issues, but it is an area where we currently have government support, and it is an opportunity to see off some of the frustrating, costly and damaging licensing restrictions placed on pubs, clubs, restaurants and the night-time economy. Importantly, these changes would make it easier for us to trade and to maximise the potential of individual licensed outlets, while still protecting community and local residents’ interests. 

The government response to the taskforce was actually announced some weeks ago, and last week’s announcement was to launch a call for evidence seeking views on the key elements of the recommendations set out that include: 

• Creation of a National Licensing Policy Framework, which will modernise outdated licensing laws, bringing greater consistency and clarity to licensing decisions across the country and reduce administrative costs on businesses.

• Introducing a one-off, time-limited “amnesty” to allow businesses to review and remove outdated or unnecessary licence conditions, and ensure they remain fit for purpose.

• Increase the maximum entitlement for temporary event notices for licensed premises to generate new opportunities for businesses. 

• Improve the potential for licensed premises to better use their outdoor space by removing regulatory barriers, improving licensing decisions, simplifying processes and achieving greater consistency.

• Remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement for businesses seeking a new premises licence or a full variation of a licence. 

In total there are nine significant changes that require a call for evidence, all of which could have a positive impact.

We as a taskforce were encouraged by the fact that the government has accepted the majority of our priority recommendations, recognising the need to reform the historic licensing system. However, what we also need is real-world evidence from everyone – from independent pub operators to key industry stakeholders – which will help to shape the final reforms and ensure they deliver for our sector. We need the strength of our collective voice to be heard and to shout louder than the many groups already putting pressure on the government to U-turn on these proposals. 

As such, I would urge you all to look beyond the recent headlines and respond to the government’s open call for evidence to reform the licensing system, which you can find here.

Modernising the licensing system is a crucial step to help address some of the challenges of running a modern hospitality business. The government needs to hear from us to ensure our collective voices and insights inform the call for evidence and ensure the new systems works for business, customers and communities alike.