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.
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.”
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.
