The Government has accepted a range of recommendations to create a National Licensing Policy Framework in a bid to modernise licensing rules and a one-time licensing condition ‘amnesty’ to streamline licences.
Published today, the Government unveiled its response from the licensing policy sprint Taskforce, which was made up of representatives from the hospitality industry, Government and police.
It said it is now seeking views on the plans as well as issues such as increasing the maximum entitlement for Temporary Event Notices (TENs); improving the potential for licensed premises to better use their outside spaces by removing regulatory barriers and removing the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement.
Greene King CEO and co-chair of the licensing Taskforce Nick Mackenzie said: “As an industry, we welcome the proposals and see this as a positive and necessary step towards updating a planning and licensing system that, for too long, has limited hospitality’s ability to drive economic growth across the UK.
“I thank the industry and the Taskforce for the serious and meaningful recommendations we have put forward to bring these proposals to fruition.”
Unlocking opportunities
Mackenzie added it was encouraging to see how the Government has worked at pace to take forward the proposals.
“While licencing reform won’t offset the significant layered cost of doing business that the industry bears, they form part of wider changes to back the sector, which will support in unlocking opportunities for pubs to further invest in growth across the country,” he added.
UKHospitality (UKH) chair Kate Nicholls also welcomed the response.
She said: “Cutting red tape is a welcome launchpad, backing the recovery of the hospitality sector. From a personal perspective, I’m pleased to see this outcome after having chaired various working groups and co-developed recommendations as part of the taskforce.
“The Licensing Act was something I was part of in its initial launch 20 years ago, and the introduction of the National Licensing Policy Framework alone is a vital gateway as part of the reform.
Clear direction
“This will rebalance and modernise existing licensing rules while giving clear direction to local authorities. Similarly, the amnesty on one-time licensing conditions is set to refresh and streamline licenses to ensure they are proportionate.”
The news comes after the industry welcomed the Government’s plan to slash red tape and revamp high streets.
British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “We’ve been clear about what’s needed to help us drive the economy, so the fact that the Government are acting on our, and the sector’s, recommendations to cut licensing red tape and improve processes are good first steps.
“Pubs are key for vibrant high streets, so the Government’s next move must be delivering significant business rates reform, mitigating punishing employment costs and cutting beer duty.
“If they work with us to deliver this, pubs can carry on as the heart and soul of communities, creating jobs, and powering the economy.”
Meanwhile LIVE CEO Jon Collins, who also worked with the Government on developing the proposals, added: “This rebalancing of the licensing regime will retain necessary protections while opening up new opportunities for venues, events and festivals. That will mean more joy, more vibrancy and, crucially, growth.”
Night-Time Industries Association (NTIA) CEO Michael Kill said: “We welcome the Government’s publication of the Licensing Policy Sprint report and its commitment to working with industry to reform the licensing framework that underpins the UK’s night-time economy.
“It’s clear there is both the intent and the political will to bring about positive change.
“While we acknowledge there’s still a considerable journey ahead, it’s encouraging to see the Government recognising the need for a modern, responsive licensing system – one that better reflects the evolving social and economic role of nightlife and hospitality in our towns and cities.”
