A sweeping review launched by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could pave the way for longer pub opening hours, fewer licensing restrictions, and a revival of live music and pop-up events – all aimed at breathing new life into Britain’s high streets.
Calling pubs “the beating heart” of local communities, Starmer’s government has kicked off a four-week “blitz” consultation with landlords, punters, and nearby residents. The goal? Strip away outdated rules believed to be stifling the nightlife industry and hampering business.
Starmer’s Plan Could Give Pubs Longer Hours
“Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. 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,” said Starmer.
Currently, licensing for pubs across England and Wales is controlled at the local authority level, with no standardised opening times.
The new plan could bring greater flexibility, potentially allowing pubs to extend their hours a move that many in the sector have long campaigned for.
The review follows a government licensing taskforce report published earlier this year. Among its key recommendations was a proposal to scrap the outdated requirement for pubs to advertise licensing changes in local newspapers, a move seen by many as a pointless expense in the digital age.
“This is a cost for a licensed business that serves no meaningful purpose other than to provide a revenue stream to companies operating local newspapers and should be removed,” the task force concluded.
With newspaper readership in steep decline, the requirement is increasingly viewed as an unnecessary barrier for small businesses already facing mounting costs.
If passed, the proposals could mean your local stays open longer, serves up more live events, and gets a fresh shot at survival amid ongoing economic pressures. A game-changer for Britain’s nightlife scene may be just around the corner.
Small Businesses at the Heart of the Strategy
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle backed the move, highlighting the government’s drive to give the hospitality sector room to flourish without compromising community safety.
“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. We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.”
Kyle’s comments underline a wider government mission to support small, independent businesses post-pandemic and amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
What Else Is on the Table?
Here are some of the changes under review:
- Extended pub opening hours to increase footfall and community engagement.
- Relaxation of advertising rules, particularly scrapping the local newspaper ad requirement for licensing changes.
- Boosting Temporary Event Notices (TENs) from 15 to 25 per year, covering up to 30 days, allowing for more community events, festivals, and food pop-ups.
- Simplified regulations for outdoor trading to make it easier for venues to use gardens and patios.
For those looking to make the most of longer opening hours, check out our list of the Best Pubs in London, perfect spots to enjoy a late-night pint or live music.
Reviving the Nightlife Economy
The proposal isn’t just about letting people enjoy a late-night pint. It’s part of a broader strategy to revitalise Britain’s night-time economy, a sector that’s faced immense pressure in recent years due to pandemic lockdowns, rising rents, and changing social habits.
Some historic pubs have been forced to close following noise complaints or stiff regulations. The review aims to reverse that trend.
“When our locals do well, our economy does too,” said Starmer.
And with this bold move, his government is signalling that the days of overly rigid, outdated pub regulations could soon be numbered.
