The Government is kicking off a fast-track review to scrap outdated licensing rules that have been holding back pubs, bars, and community events — and they want to hear directly from the
people who know them best: landlords, regulars, and local communities.
A four-week push for change
For years, old-fashioned red tape has made it harder for pubs to do the simple things that bring people together — like serving food outdoors, hosting live music, or staying open a little later. Some even had to shut their doors because of outdated noise or advertising rules.
Now, the Government is launching a four-week Call for Evidence to get ideas from the public and the hospitality industry on how to fix it.
Whether it’s a live band on a Friday night, a quiz with friends, or a pop-up food stall in the beer garden, these changes could make it easier for venues to offer the experiences people love — and for communities to come alive again.
Putting the fun (and footfall) back into high streets
By cutting back unnecessary rules, the aim is to give pubs and bars more freedom to serve their customers — and help revive local high streets in the process.
As Prime Minister Keir Starmer put it: “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive.
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».
In short: more live music, more street food, and fewer hoops to jump through for those trying to bring people together — all while keeping the public safe.
Backing small businesses to thrive
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle added: “As part of our Plan for Change, this review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe. That is the balance we’re trying to strike.
We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets”.
Industry voices: working together for modernisation
Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO of Greene King, welcomed the move: “Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long. Swift consultation on the Licensing Taskforce’s recommendations is key and we urge the Government and industry to work together to ensure changes made at pace to address the challenges of running a modern hospitality business.
Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures which is why the Government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth”.
What happens next
The Call for Evidence will focus on nine key recommendations from the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, with a particular focus on simplifying alcohol licensing for pubs, restaurants, and bars.
This review builds on the Small Business Plan announced in July, which introduced major measures to tackle late payments and unlock billions in new finance — all part of a wider effort to make the UK the best place to start and grow a small business.
Have your say
The Government is calling on landlords, punters, and communities to share their views over the next four weeks. Together, these changes could make it easier to enjoy everything that makes British pubs so special — good food, good music, and good company. Photo by Weloc, Wikimedia commons.