The trade body warned this is the sector’s final opportunity to help ensure the system works for both operators and local communities.
UKH reiterated the licensing reforms are not based on a sole issue but are rather a package of practical changes designed to create a “more consistent, modern and growth-focused licensing regime”.
As a member of the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, UKH stated it supports proposals such as a new National Licensing Policy Framework, an amnesty on unnecessary legacy conditions, more temporary event notices (TENs) for special occasions and an end to outdated newspaper advertising requirements.
Flexible options
The idea of these reforms is to streamline processes, reduce duplication and help hospitality businesses invest and innovate while maintaining transparency and local engagement.
UKH said in light of recent media coverage promoting mandatory hard copy newspaper adverts for licensing applications, there should be more balance and urged “transparency and local engagement are important but businesses should not be compelled to pay for traditional advertising when there are already effective ways for the public to stay informed, such as on-site notices and local authority communications”.
UKH wants flexible options, including new online solutions that could further increase transparency for residents and other interested parties.
Not a silver bullet
UKH chair Kate Nicholls said: “Licensing reform is not a silver bullet but it is a real opportunity to deliver a system that works better for operators and communities alike.
“If the sector does not speak up now, there is a risk that this chance for growth-led reform could be lost. The collective voice of hospitality will be crucial in ensuring these sensible and practical improvements are implemented.”
The Government opened its consultation earlier this month on a subject that has caused many headaches for hospitality operators for a long time with a long-endured call for reforms to take place.
