Overview
- Ministers opened a fast-track review on October 9 that proposes ending the legal duty to publish alcohol licensing notices in local newspapers.
- Colchester City Council and regional publishers warn a national framework and loss of print notices would erode local accountability and hinder responses to noise and antisocial behaviour.
- News media leaders cite research showing significant digital exclusion and argue the Public Notice Portal enhances, rather than replaces, the reach of printed notices.
- Pub operators in Nottinghamshire say headline measures such as extended opening hours do little to address core pressures including taxes, energy costs and business rates.
- The call for evidence is open to the public until midday on Thursday, November 6, alongside separate proposals to remove print notice requirements for changes to local authority governance.