Pubs to potentially have hours permanently extended
Pubs and bars could be permitted to permanently trade into the early hours.
Pubs, bars and hospitality venues could be permitted to permanently trade into the early hours under a new licensing review announced by the government.
Labour says it is launching a fast-track review to "tear up outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars and local events".
While the initial detail from Westminster does not mention extending licensing hours, a report by The Guardian says ministers are pushing ahead with plans to allow premises that sell alcohol to extend their opening hours in order to boost the British night out and help the hospitality sector.
The government says that 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food outside, host live music or even stay open", with some historic venues forced to shut over noise complaints or outdated advertising rules.
A four-week Call for Evidence is now giving pubs and bars the chance to have their say. Operators can respond online here.
A vital step
Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, believes the announcement is a vital step for the sector.
"Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long," he says. "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."
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