Government Fast-Tracks Licensing Review for Pubs and Bars

The government has kicked off a fast-track review aimed at tearing up "outdated" alcohol licensing laws, promising a boost to Britain’s hospitality sector — and stirring up fierce debate in the process.

The four-week call for evidence, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is part of Labour’s wider “Plan for Change” and is designed to cut red tape, make it easier for pubs and bars to host live music, serve food outdoors, and stay open longer. “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities,” Starmer said. “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.”

What’s Changing?

The plan could mean:

Extended opening hours for pubs, clubs, and restaurants
Streamlined alcohol licensing processes
More flexibility for venues to host events like live gigs and food stalls
A revised national licensing policy, potentially reducing local councils’ control

The government says these changes will help revive high streets, support small businesses, and modernise hospitality laws that haven’t kept pace with today’s social and economic realities. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.”

The review will consider nine recommendations from a licensing taskforce that includes industry giants like Greene King, UK Hospitality, and the Night Time Industries Association.

One of the more controversial suggestions is the introduction of a fifth licensing objective focused on economic growth. Currently, councils must weigh applications against four criteria: preventing crime, public safety, public nuisance, and protecting children.

Critics argue that shifting the balance toward business interests undermines the core purpose of licensing. “Licensing exists to protect people, not business profits,” said Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance. “To push this through while alcohol deaths are at record highs raises serious questions about who this government is really working for.”

Local authorities also fear losing control. Under the new proposals, a national licensing policy framework could override local discretion, giving unelected licensing officers more sway and making it harder for residents to object to longer hours or new alcohol outlets.

James Nicholls, an alcohol policy expert, said: “These reforms would hollow out the power of local licensing authorities, giving decisive influence to unelected officials and unaccountable bodies.”

How have people reacted?

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the taskforce, has called the proposed changes a “vital step” for the sector: “Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red tape that has stifled businesses for too long.”

Kate Nicholls, head of UK Hospitality, agreed: “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.”

The proposals also include ideas like extending business rates relief and cutting alcohol duty on draught pints — all designed to offset rising costs facing the sector.

But not everyone’s raising a glass.

Health campaigners, local councils, and safety advocates are warning the changes could lead to more antisocial behaviour, violence, and alcohol-related harm if safeguards aren't in place.

Dr Richard Piper, CEO of Alcohol Change UK, called the proposals a “charter for chaos.”

“Permitting vendors to sell alcohol later into the evening will inevitably mean more victims of crime, including domestic violence, more antisocial behaviour and disturbance, more police time spent dealing with drink-fuelled incidents and both ambulance and A&E staff having to deal with even more people who have come to harm as a result of alcohol” he said.

And Prof Niamh Fitzgerald warned the reforms could do little to reduce street violence or protect women: “These proposals are completely contrary to any intention to deliver safer streets or reduce violence against women.”

Pubs at a Crossroads

Pubs have been in long-term decline. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, over 5,600 jobs could be lost in 2025 with an estimated 378 pubs set to close. For supporters, the plan offers a lifeline. For critics, it's a gamble with public health.

The government insists it's striking a balance. A spokesperson said: “We are looking to rebalance the licensing system, to one which both protects local communities and gives businesses the flexibility they need to invest and adapt to changing consumer trends.”