The government has shown good intent with its proposals to extend licensing hours for pubs, offering much needed help to businesses up against draconian local councillors who put nimbys over growth. But the proposals have met with some criticism from landlords who are saying, what’s the point? If they can’t afford to operate due to rising employment, energy and supply costs, they argue, they won’t be around to open at all.
Pubs and bars across the UK could be given permission to open longer as the government launches a new call for evidence aimed at identifying “outdated” licensing rules ahead of a fast-track review.
The move comes after a taskforce appointed by PM Keir Starmer recommended updating the Licensing Act 2003 to include “promoting economic growth” among council objectives, in a bid to “cut red tape.”
“The call for evidence will focus on nine key recommendations from the government’s licensing taskforce, with particular emphasis on streamlining on-trade alcohol licensing for hospitality venues,” reported the BBC. “It said it plans to cut the cost of licensing, extend business rates relief and cut alcohol duty on draught pints.”
“It also recommended a permanent increase to the number of temporary event notices – needed to hold a one-off licensable event on unlicensed premises – and simpler rules for trading in outdoor areas.”
Greene King CEO, and co-chair of the taskforce, Nick Mackenzie said current rules “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.”
UKHospitality chair Kate Nicholls added “a new and improved licensing system that is fit for the 21st century will be a huge boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.”
“Moderate plus at best”: Landlords highly sceptical over efficacy of extended hours
Pub landlords, both large and small, have responded to Labour’s plans to extend opening hours with apathy, citing deeper root causes for the sector’s struggle.
With rising costs and dwindling footfall hitting pub profit, leading figures such as JD Wetherspoon chair Tim Martin said the plans were “a moderate plus at best.”
“Pubs would probably prefer to have the choice as to their hours but due to economic pressures, often stemming from high taxes and costs, the pub industry as a whole has tended to reduce hours or close permanently in recent years,” Martin told The Guardian.
Campaign for Pubs chair Paul Crossman added: “The ground-level crisis facing pubs and hospitality boils down to a toxic combination of the ever-rising costs involved in running a hospitality business and reduced customer spend amid the cost of living crisis.”
Si Perreau, landlord of the Little Taproom in Liverpool said “the ability to alter our offerings is welcome but it’s not the shot in the arm the government is peddling it as.”
