Licensing red-tape burden reduced

Pubs will find it cheaper and easier to make minor changes to their premises licences from today.

The new application process for minor variations to licences could save the industry up to £2.3m a year. It will make it easier for licensees to change the layout of their premises, serve hot food after 11pm or put on some live music events.

The cost of the new process will be less than £100 - compared to the previous average fee of around £225.

Under the new system the applicant will fill in a short form, pay a flat rate of £89 and will wait no more than 15 days for a response, against 28 days at present.

There will also no longer be a requirement to advertise in a newspaper or for the licensee to make responsible authorities aware.

Village halls will also now be able to nominate the management committee, rather than an individual, as the designated premises supervisor.

"We realise that licensees are going through difficult times — that is why it is so important that we remove any unnecessary burdens," said Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

"We know only too well that customer demands have changed, and that for a pub or bar to thrive they have to give the customer more choice — this could be by offering food or putting on live music. I hope this new measure will mean more licensees will be able to branch out and find more ways to bring in punters."

For more on the Government's licensing plans, see an exclusive interview with Gerry Sutcliffe in tomorrow's Morning Advertiser​.