Policy paper

Licensing taskforce report: government response

Published 31 July 2025

Foreword by Gareth Thomas MP, Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports

Businesses in our hospitality and leisure sector are foundational to our economy and our high streets. They are big employers in every corner of the UK, offering accessible jobs and opportunities. They provide our communal spaces where communities come together to enjoy each other바카라 사이트檚 company, relax and celebrate. Whether they are a pub, a caf茅, a restaurant or a nightclub or music venue 바카라 사이트� they sell happiness, creating lasting memories.聽Indeed, they are the glue that binds us together as a society 바카라 사이트� something that we need more of right now. The pandemic stole that feeling from us, placing us and these businesses under great strain, but at the same time emphasising the value of what we had been missing.聽

These businesses have long indicated that the current licensing system has perceptively moved away from its original intention, which was to create a more flexible and transparent framework for regulating the sale and supply of alcohol and certain types of entertainment. We have heard that too often measures imposed on business lack proportionality, consistency, and transparency 바카라 사이트� creating barriers to growth and investment for business. For example, since the new act was introduced over 20 years ago, we have seen 1 in 4 pubs shut their doors. There are many reasons of course, but the provision of regulated spaces for the consumption of alcohol is vital for the safety and health of communities 바카라 사이트� the growth in drinking in unregulated spaces is a concern.聽

For these businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities to flourish and grow we must ensure that they are not tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.聽

I am therefore very grateful to the taskforce for advising us on the key issues that they face and how these can be overcome. The government will explore these recommendations at the earliest opportunity, consulting a wider range of stakeholders before bringing in measures that will bring the balance back. The vibrancy, resilience and economic growth of our communities depends on it.

A pro-growth vision for licensing reform

The government welcomes the licensing taskforce바카라 사이트檚 report. This process involved a variety of interested stakeholders, and a range of views were expressed throughout. Ultimately the report includes a bold and forward-looking set of recommendations that the government is keen to explore.聽

As this government continues to drive economic growth, regenerate our high streets and support vibrant and healthy communities, it is clear that a modern, proportionate, and enabling licensing system is essential. This report provides a timely and pragmatic blueprint for reform 바카라 사이트� one that reduces unnecessary burdens and empowers local areas to unlock the full potential of their hospitality, cultural and night-time economies.聽

The government recognises that the original intention of the Licensing Act 2003 바카라 사이트� designed to enable vibrant, culturally rich and economically dynamic communities 바카라 사이트� has, over time, become diluted by disproportionate regulation and inconsistent application. On 31 March 2025, the Prime Minister committed to a government-wide target to cut the administrative costs of regulation by 25% by the end of this Parliament. We are committed to reducing the costs of doing business in the UK by restoring the founding ethos of flexibility and growth, while maintaining a firm focus on the licensing objectives, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder.

Creating the right conditions for businesses to thrive is also key to delivering vibrant high streets, accessible employment, and safer communities. We recognise the important role that businesses play in supporting government priorities on tackling violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse, and alcohol-related harms by providing safe, regulated spaces for socialising, and also in supporting our health mission. We will ensure future work aligns with our commitment to Safer Streets, that licensing reforms support efforts to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in our town centres, without compromising the protection of vulnerable people.

We support the principle of localism in licensing decisions and that the needs of local authorities, residents, enforcement partners as well as businesses must be carefully weighed and balanced, with policies developed based on a careful consideration of the evidence available. That is why the government also commits to conducting necessary impact assessments for any of the proposed changes to the Licensing Act (2003) or the statutory guidance.

Priority recommendations聽

The government accepts the majority of the taskforce바카라 사이트檚 priority recommendations, subject to further work and engagement, including consultation where required. We note that where recommendations would require legislative changes to be implemented, delivery of these reforms will only take place when Parliamentary time allows.

Recommendation 1: National Licensing Policy Framework

The government particularly welcomes the recommendation of creating a National Licensing Policy Framework as an important step towards delivering a more consistent, transparent and pro-growth licensing system. We acknowledge the merits in a framework that provides clear national direction for local licensing authorities while preserving local discretion in licensing decisions, that aligns licensing with broader government priorities.聽

However, the government recognises that implementation of such a framework is a significant undertaking that would require robust evidence gathering, detailed engagement with a wider range of stakeholders, including local authorities, police and residents, and careful consideration of scope and delivery mechanisms.

Several proposals (outlined in section 4 of the report), including licensing officer powers, require legislative changes. We are therefore committed to exploring all available avenues to deliver impact at pace. This includes assessing whether key elements could be achieved more swiftly through amendments to the section 182 statutory guidance, where appropriate. We will launch a call for evidence on licensing reform in summer to seek views which may inform policy development on this proposal.

With regard to the maintenance of the existing central licensing facility, hosted by the 바카라 사이트 Digital Service, which allows businesses to submit alcohol licensing application forms to local councils, the government commits to continuing to support the current licensing facility until the successor solution is available.聽

Recommendation 2: 바카라 사이트榓mnesty바카라 사이트� to modernise and streamline licences聽

The government intends to deliver this as a practical and collaborative step towards modernising licences, subject to call for evidence outcomes. The government acknowledges that this initiative offers a timely opportunity to review and remove outdated, disproportionate conditions 바카라 사이트� targeting premises that have undergone significant use or operation changes or have old conditions that were grandfathered in when the Licensing Act was first implemented.

We intend on assessing how best to resource this in a proportionate and time-limited way.聽We also intend on exploring how this process can inform future definitions of minor and substantive variations, potentially through a 바카라 사이트榗ircular바카라 사이트� under the proposed National Licensing Policy Framework.

Recommendation 3: hearings and appeals

The government recognises the intention behind this recommendation to improve the proportionality and evidential basis of licensing hearings. Introducing a minimum evidence threshold for objections could help reduce the risk of inconsistent or discriminatory decision making and support more proportionate outcomes. However, this recommendation requires significant procedural reform, which we are not in a position to take forward at this time. We will assess alternative options to improve the hearings and appeals process, as promised in the Regulation Action Plan.

The government acknowledges calls to reform the statutory appeal process under the Licensing Act 2003바카라 사이트攑articularly the suggestion that the First-Tier Tribunal, established in 2007, could offer advantages over the current use of Magistrates바카라 사이트� Courts. In March 2025, the government set out its intention of making real, system-wide reforms over the course of the Parliament that focuses on simplifying the structure of the regulatory system, among other objectives. Work is ongoing, and it is expected proposals will be brought forward in due course.聽

The Licensing Act already provides a mechanism for licensing authorities to assess the validity of representations, including a requirement to determine whether representations made by a person who is not a responsible authority are, in the authority바카라 사이트檚 opinion, frivolous or vexatious. Building on this, we intend to explore updating chapter 13 of the section 182 guidance, which addresses how licensing authorities determine applications, to provide clearer direction on assessing representations and to clarify the evidential standards expected for a valid representation.聽

Recommendation 4: remove local newspaper advertising requirement

The government notes the taskforce바카라 사이트檚 recommendation to remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement, referencing limited print circulation and concerns about a lack of consistency in the fees being charged across local media outlets.聽

While we believe that our local press still play an important role in informing local communities about what is happening in their area, we will look at ending the requirement for printed statutory notices for alcohol licences given declining print newspaper circulation, as part of the licensing call for evidence. This work will also inform a review of other statutory notices, as part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport바카라 사이트檚 upcoming local media strategy.

We also recognise that a lack of regulation over costs, transparency and appeals as part of the statutory notice regime under the Licensing Act, needs to be addressed and we will consider that as part of our wider work to reduce the administrative burdens of regulation by 25% by the end of this Parliament.

Recommendation 5: improve licensing process and conditions for outdoor areas聽

The government acknowledges the need for further simplification and streamlining for pavement licences and is committed to exploring a longer licensing term and minimum duration of at least 2 years.聽We will consult on options as part of the call for evidence on the licensing policy framework. This would support the government바카라 사이트檚 wider ambition, set out in the Prime Minister바카라 사이트檚 March Action Plan to reduce administrative costs for businesses by 25%, by removing repetitive renewal processes, enabling businesses to plan with greater certainty and confidence. With respect to the proposal of granting licences in perpetuity for pavement licensing, we note that this would fundamentally change the way they are enforced and may make local authorities more cautious in granting.聽

Current pavement licences guidance states that 바카라 사이트渢o support local businesses and give them more certainty, the expectation is that local authorities are pragmatic and will grant licences for the maximum 2 years, unless there are good reasons for granting a licence for a shorter period바카라 사이트�. Extension into unused or adjacent areas and temporary permissions require careful consideration due to liability and enforcement challenges. As part of the call for evidence on licensing reform that we are committed to, we will work with stakeholders to explore updating the existing pavement licence guidance to clarify expectations around the use of local conditions, best practice on maximising trading in outside spaces and promoting longer licence durations in line with current policy.聽

While both are often required, a pavement licence and the ability to sell alcohol for off-sales remain separate and distinct regulatory requirements. The temporary off-sales easement in response to COVID, which allowed certain businesses to sell alcohol for takeaway and delivery, expired on 31 March 2025. Businesses can now amend their current licence to add off-sales via the minor variation process, which already represents a significant regulatory saving.

Recommendation 6: increase entitlement maximum for Temporary Event Notices (TENs)聽

The government acknowledges this recommendation and recognises that current regulations can at times be restrictive. We are aware that changes during COVID showed that increasing the limit on how many 바카라 사이트榚vents바카라 사이트� can be held by an operator in a year can bring opportunities for growth. As part of the call for evidence on licensing reform, we intend to review the TENs entitlement maximum during the autumn.聽

Recommendation 7: sunset clause on blanket hours聽

The government acknowledges the recommendation to implement time-limited reviews of blanket licensing policies, including core hours. It concurs that perpetually renewing restrictive policies based on outdated evidence and without proper engagement constitutes poor practice and poses significant operational challenges for businesses.

We recognise the intention to ensure such policies remain evidence-based, proportionate and responsive to local needs. We will continue to develop this recommendation as part of the call for evidence to support consistency, transparency and fairness in licensing decision-making.

Recommendation 8: arbitration, evidence and data protocol聽

The government acknowledges the need for clearer evidential standards and structured mechanisms for objections and reviews to help reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses and local authorities.

In principle, the government supports the use of alternative dispute resolution methods to resolve disputes out of court, where appropriate, and recognises the potential cost to business and the public purse of failure to resolve disputes at an early stage. Resolutions remain bound by the range of lawful decisions and processes available to the licensing authority under the Licensing Act 2003. Licensing authorities should also have regard to the Regulators Code 2014, in particular, section 2.3 which provides that that regulators should offer an impartial and clearly explained route to appeal against regulatory decisions.

We note the detailed proposals set out in section 5 of the report. We will seek further evidence through the call for evidence before confirming how this could be taken forward.

Recommendation 9: festivals and events聽

The government acknowledges the value in reviewing the licence length and fees for festivals. We recognise the potential benefits of providing greater certainty and stability for recurring events, particularly in supporting long-term investment and planning. We will consider this further as part of future reform in licensing, subject to wider consultation.

Recommendation 10: agent of change

The government acknowledges this recommendation and supports strengthening the 바카라 사이트榓gent of change바카라 사이트� principle to ensure uniform application across local authorities. It is essential that planning and licensing authorities work collaboratively to safeguard established uses 바카라 사이트� whether residential or licensed music venues. We note the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee바카라 사이트檚 2024 report on grassroots music venues also acknowledged the importance of this principle in protecting music venues from the impacts of nearby development.

We will explore how we can improve the implementation of the agent of change principle as part of wider planning reforms and will consult on a set of national policies for decision making this year. We want to enable new developments such as housing to co-exist with cultural infrastructure such as music venues. The government will also carefully consider the taskforce바카라 사이트檚 findings in embedding this principle beyond the planning process and into licensing decisions.聽

With respect to the taskforce바카라 사이트檚 further recommendation of establishing hospitality growth zones as part of the recommendation to strengthen the agent of change, the government notes that creating designated night-time economy and hospitality zones can deliver wide-ranging benefits.聽We will explore introducing hospitality/night-time economy zones and the role planning could play, subject to gathering further evidence as part of the planned call for evidence.

We are aware that the establishment of these zones by local authorities, both in the UK and overseas, has benefitted businesses through a relaxation of certain operating restrictions 바카라 사이트� including licensing and planning easements. We will consider the impact of these and explore how we can encourage more local authorities to adopt a best practice approach.

Provision of Services Regulations (PoSRs) and Regulators바카라 사이트� Code

The government notes that as part of any further work, a review of current mechanisms such as the Provision of Services Regulations and the Regulators바카라 사이트� Code, would provide an opportunity to influence the licensing policy framework.

The Provision of Services Regulations 2009 sets specific standards for authorities licensing service activities (including licences issued by local authorities to the hospitality sector) ensuring the licensing processes are proportionate, justifiable and transparent.

The March Action Plan for Regulators places great emphasis on proportionality, consistency and reducing burdens on business. The Regulators Code supports a proportionate approach to regulation through the provision of guidance in respect of the 5 statutory principles outlined in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006: transparency, consistency, accountability, targeted and proportionality. These principles are designed to ensure that regulatory activity is fair, consistent, and reasonable.

Related recommendations聽

The government acknowledges that there is an opportunity to use existing forums such as the Hospitality Sector Council to advance broader proposals. A Licensing Working Group within the Hospitality Sector Council could be established.聽

Mayor of London licensing/call-in powers pilot聽

In April, the government announced that it would work with the Greater London Authority to review strategic licensing powers and explore a pilot scheme, providing the Mayor of London with new powers over strategic licensing. This could include a new 바카라 사이트榗all-in바카라 사이트� power over licensing applications in areas of strategic importance such as the night-time economy.

The government will work with the Greater London Authority to explore options for how new powers over strategic licensing could boost growth in London바카라 사이트檚 sporting, cultural and hospitality venues and events and revitalise London바카라 사이트檚 nightlife. The Mayor of London recently launched a new, independent London Nightlife Taskforce to examine and address the issues facing London바카라 사이트檚 nightlife industry and provide recommendations on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive.