The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which has cross-party support, has just had its third reading in the House of Commons. The Private Members Bill was led through the commons by Andrew Ranger, Welsh Labour MP for Wrexham.
It will amend the Licensing Act 2003 so that licensing hours can be changed by the Government at times of national significance, such as sporting events or royal weddings. Currently, the Government is unable to do this when Parliament isn’t sitting. The bill will now be passed to the House of Lords to be scrutinised and voted on.
Cutting red tape
During the third reading debate Matt Turmaine, Labour MP for Watford said the bill “is about cutting red tape and unnecessary and time-consuming bureaucracy for the hospitality industry and local authorities when they want to open earlier of stay open later on occasions of special importance.”
Amanda Martin, Labour MP for Portsmouth North, also supported the bill and more flexible licensing.
“I am proud to speak in support of the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill, which is a sensible and necessary reform to support our struggling hospitality sector and, as we have heard, allow communities to come together during moments of national significance,” she said.
Harriet Cross, Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, said: “I am pleased to confirm that the Conservative Party supports the measure. It is legislation that the previous Conservative Government supported, and we welcome its return to the House.”
Deregulation
Conservative MP for Christchurch, Sir Christopher Chope, said that there was a strong case for deregulating the whole licensing regime, and for getting Parliament and the Government “out of the hospitality sector’s hair in relation to licensing hours.”
During the debate the Parliamentary under secretary for the Home Office Seema Mahotra said the Government “fully support it.”
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has backed the Licensing Hours Extensions Bill and welcomed the move.
It said licensing regulations currently have excessive restrictions which limit Government’s ability to respond to changing circumstances and customer demand which can stifle opportunities for the sector.
The BBPA said this change will unlock opportunities for the sector to drive economic growth and stay open at times of national significance.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “This bill has been long overdue and we’re delighted Andrew Ranger MP, along with the Government, has acted to boost growth and make it easier for pubs to do what they do best - being at the heart of moments of national significance.
“We will continue to work with Government so that this sector can truly fulfil its potential.”
In May, the Government announced licensing hours for pubs would be extended if England or Wales reach the semi-finals or final.
