Licensing Reform: A New Era for Hospitality?

In August of this year the Government published the "Licensing Policy Sprint: Joint industry and HM Government taskforce report" – a bold call to modernise the Licensing Act and unlock growth for the hospitality sector. The message was clear: it’s time to strip back outdated regulation, embrace dynamic deregulation, and create a licensing system that reflects the needs of modern businesses and communities.

The Government is now consulting on 10 priority recommendations with a particular focus on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing. This includes proposals to reduce red tape, simplify outdoor trading rules, allow for the designation of ‘cultural areas of import’ by councils, and introduce a National Licensing Policy Framework to harmonise standards across England and Wales.

Much of this will likely be welcomed by most in the trade, but are there unintended pitfalls? Does the designation of cultural areas of import, risk limiting opportunities elsewhere, for instance?

We see this as a valuable opportunity for the industry to help shape the future of licensing. We’re preparing a response and would welcome your input - particularly real-world examples - on any of the proposals, listed below.

The consultation closes on 6 November 2025. Please share your thoughts with us by the 3 November so we can include them in our submission. Email Matthew Phipps, Ewen Macgregor or Piers Warne.

1. National Policy Framework

Should promoting economic growth become a statutory licensing objective?
Should on-and off-trade premises be treated differently to reflect the distinct challenges they pose?
What should be the priority themes of a National Licensing Policy Framework? For instance, national officer training, councillor training and setting standards for acceptable evidence in representations etc.

2. Licensing condition amnesty

Is the removal of historic conditions that are no longer relevant or proportionate to the promotion of the licensing objectives a welcome idea? If an amnesty were introduced, would you take advantage of it?

3. Statutory notice requirements

Is the removal of the requirement to advertise applications for new licences and full variations in the local press a welcome idea? We cannot see any pushback here, but confirmation would be welcome.

4. Outdoor trading

Should Government simplify the current system for applying for pavement licences and removing barriers to using external areas, especially bearing in mind the current system has just been introduced?
Should the consumption of alcohol in external areas be treated as an on-sale? Our view is that this is what was intended (and was the position prior to 2005) but seems to have become more muddied over the years.

5. Temporary event notices

Is the proposed increase in the number of TENs - from 21 to 25 days, as during COVID welcome? Is it enough?
Should the 24-hour gap between TENs be retained?
Should conditions on a premises licence automatically be transferred onto any TENs granted unless specifically being suspended for the duration of the TEN?

6. Blanket policies and core hours – to discuss

Is there a case for introducing requirements to ensure any blanket policies that restrict certain licensed activities within a specific or local authority area, are proportionate. Should core hours or other blanket policies be subject to a sunset clause?

7. Evidence data protocol

Should the proximity test for objectors be reintroduced?
Should Government develop a national protocol to standardise evidential requirements, promote mediation and clarify objection procedures?Should evidential standards be imposed on those making representations to applications?
Should licensing officers be given more influence in the licensing process like planning officers? We believe this would only work if officers were all trained to a high standard, do you agree?

8. Festivals and events