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Monckton Cites Clarkson’s Pub Warning as Lords Weigh Faster Licensing Extensions

Peers say the bill would let ministers extend pub hours for national moments without waiting for Parliament.

Overview

  • Baroness Rosa Monckton told the House of Lords she is preparing to open a Brighton pub with her charity Team Domenica to train young adults with learning disabilities.
  • She read an email from Jeremy Clarkson advising “don’t do it” and describing the grind of pub ownership, concluding that “it is relentless.”
  • The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill had its second reading, with Lord Watson arguing it would allow swift, nationwide extensions for events of exceptional significance.
  • Supporters cited the 2023 Lionesses World Cup final, when a blanket extension could not be approved in time because Parliament was not sitting.
  • Clarkson, who opened The Farmer’s Dog in 2024, has written about slim margins and costs including missing glassware, high heating bills and council-related fees.