It is understood the exercise could lead to a bonfire of old licensing rules, amid fears some historic venues have shut over noise complaints or advertising concerns
Pubs are bracing for a big change – and a relaxation of red tape (Image: Getty)
Pub landlords are gearing up for a big change, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiling a fast-track bid to cut “red tape” believed to be making it hard for pubs to host live music and food pop-ups. However, some critics fear the net result could be the loss of yet more licensed venues, while another has warned the plan amounts to a “charter for chaos”.
The Prime Minister described pubs are integral to communities up and down the UK, after the Government launched a four-week “blitz” survey of landlords, customers and neighbours. It is understood the exercise could lead to a bonfire of old licensing rules, amid fears some historic venues have shut over noise complaints or advertising concerns. Sir Keir said: “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities,” adding that the Government was “backing them to thrive”.
Keir Starmer is currently in India, where he met Narendra Modi (Image: Getty)
He continued: “This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together.
“When our locals do well, our economy does too.”
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe.
“That is the balance we’re trying to strike.
“We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.”
The call for evidence follows a probe by the Government’s licensing taskforce, which ended earlier this year.
Among its recommendations was a proposal to remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement when a manager wants to set up premises or alter their licence.
“This is a cost for a licensed business that serves no meaningful purpose other than to provide a revenue stream to companies operating local newspapers and should be removed,” the taskforce agreed, and warned that readership had declined “significantly” since the advertising requirement was brought in.
The taskforce also recommended a permanent increase to the number of temporary event notices which landlords can apply for, raising the ceiling from 15 covering 21 days per year, to “ideally” 25 covering 30 days, and simpler rules for trading in outdoor areas.
But speaking to The Guardian on Wednesday, Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies, warned: “The plans amount to ‘a charter for chaos’ that will lead to more drink-related aggression, greater violence against women and even more deaths from alcohol.”
