The government has announced plans to reform licencing laws, allowing pubs, clubs and restaurants to open later as part of Labour’s pledge to “back the British night out” and fight against NIMBYism.
The plans will start with a trial in London where the city mayor will be able to review blocked licencing applications, calling “last orders” on the administrative red tape hampering the hospitality industry.
If successful, the new mayoral powers will be rolled out across England, working in close collaboration with local police forces.
The reform is intended to provide the hospitality sector, which employs over three million people and is adds around £62 billion to the economy each year, with more opportunities for growth and make licencing decisions more transparent and consistent.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We want them to Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.
“We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.”
While supported by many in the Labour camp, the plans have been criticised by the Conservatives.
Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Business Secretary, said: “The hypocrisy of this Labour government is staggering.
“The government claims it is looking to slash red tape on business whilst doing the exact opposite, with their smoking ban proposals, scrapping of takeaway pints, recycling tax and attack on free speech in venues all set to make life harder for our publicans – and that’s all before the impact of their Jobs Tax and Employment Rights Bill kicks in.
“But with Labour-run Westminster council is trying to enforce ‘quiet spaces’ on the capital’s night time economy, and Sadiq Khan’s former Night Tzar overseeing over 3,000 venue closures, it is clear Labour does not understand business. Only the Conservatives will stand up for their interests.”
Major players from across the industry consulted with the government on the changes, including Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Green King and the chair of the British Beer and Pub Association, Kate Nicholls, national chair of the Institute of Licensing and Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association.
The group of business leaders are working with local police forces and the government to reform the licensing system into one that creates a better hospitality experience for all.
As part of the government’s Plan for Change, focus is being paid to how hospitality can be used to prevent reofending and aid in efforts of rehabilitation. The new plans will include new prison training programmes set up to “address skills gaps and provide prison leavers with a fresh start and opportunities on release, reducing unemployment and the £18 billion cost of reoffending.”
There will be a report due in six weeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures in London.
Mackenzie said: “Licensing regulations provide a clear example of how well-intentioned legislation can inhibit economic growth, with excessive restrictions often limiting premises’ ability to respond to changing circumstances and customer demand.”
Nicholls agreed, saying that red tape had to be cut to “unlock” the sectors potential for economic growth, and that a “new and improved licensing system that is fit for the 21st century” will be a “huge boost” to the UKs nighttime industry.
