Overview
- The government began a four-week survey of landlords, customers and residents to inform reforms that could let pubs, bars and restaurants trade later into the early hours.
- Taskforce proposals under consideration include scrapping hard‑copy newspaper ads for licence changes, raising temporary event notice limits, and simplifying outdoor trading rules.
- The taskforce also suggests adding a new economic-growth licensing objective and a national policy framework, prompting warnings about weakened local democratic control.
- Industry groups such as UK Hospitality, the BBPA and major operators welcomed modernisation but stressed that soaring costs and taxes mean licensing tweaks alone will not stem closures.
- Public-health charities and local representatives cautioned that longer hours risk more alcohol-related harm and antisocial behaviour, while Conservatives criticised the process as delay rather than action.