The measures, developed following recommendations from the Licensing Taskforce, include a new National Licensing Policy Framework and a licensing condition amnesty to reduce duplication and administrative burden.
The proposals follow months of sector debate, after the Government first confirmed plans to overhaul the Licensing Act earlier this summer.
The call for evidence, which closes on 6 November 2025, seeks feedback from operators, local authorities, enforcement bodies and the public on how the current system can better support business growth while maintaining public safety and standards.
Commenting on the call for evidence, head of licensing at TLT, Matthew Phipps, said: “The fast-track review launched this morning and speed with which the Government is now consulting on the Licensing Sprint gives the licensed trade cause for optimism, heralding a welcome move to a more open, transparent, and consistent licensing process across England and Wales.
“The intended streamlining of on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues would be a boon to a sector which has faced a number of challenges in recent times, among them adapting to evolving consumer behaviour within a regulatory framework that many consider has not kept up. The Government not only wants, but needs to get this right.
“So it’s hugely encouraging to see this focused, considered, opportunity for voices across the industry to be heard with the intention of maximising opportunity across the board and ensuring no stakeholder is overlooked.”
Priority recommendations
The top 10 recommendations outlined by the taskforce include the introduction of a National Licensing Policy Framework, a one-time licensing condition amnesty, and several procedural changes designed to modernise the 20-year-old regime.
These include streamlining hearings and appeals, removing the requirement for hard-copy newspaper notices, increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices allowed per premises, and improving access to outdoor spaces. Other proposals would introduce a “sunset clause” on restrictive local hours policies, establish clearer data and arbitration protocols for decisions, and make the agent of change principle a statutory consideration.
UKHospitality, which sat on the taskforce, played a key role in shaping the proposed changes and is urging operators to engage with the consultation.
Chair Kate Nicholls said: “Moving to a new and improved licensing system that works for modern hospitality businesses is critical, and I’m pleased the Government is acting swiftly on the recommendations of the Licensing Taskforce.
“The taskforce, steered by UKHospitality and other industry leaders, resolved to recapture the original intent of the Licensing Act to encourage growth and meet consumer needs. The measures we’ve put forward and now taken on by the Government, including the National Licensing Policy Framework and licensing condition amnesty, help to achieve that goal.”
No silver bullet
She added that reform alone would not address wider financial pressures, warning that “these changes are absolutely not a silver bullet to solve the existential cost challenges hospitality businesses are facing.”
Co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, Nick Mackenzie, said: “Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long. 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.”
The call for evidence builds on the Government’s commitment to cut regulatory burdens by 25% by the end of this Parliament and follows industry discussions on how reform could balance flexibility with fairness.
Nicholls said UKHospitality would continue pushing for support in the upcoming Budget, calling for business rates reform, lower VAT and fixes to national insurance costs to ease pressure on venues.
