Government confirms intention to review the printed statutory notices

The Government said it will review printed statutory notice requirement for alcohol licences, and other statutory notices, as part of the forthcoming Local Media Strategy.

In an update (14 August 2025) to its recently published licensing taskforce report, the Government, the gov.uk webpage explained:

“Amended Recommendation 4 in the Licensing Taskforce government response to outline the government’s intention to review the printed statutory notice requirement for alcohol licences, and other statutory notices, as part of the forthcoming Local Media Strategy.”

The update said further :

“The government notes the Task Force’s recommendation to remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement. This references limited print circulation and concerns about a lack of consistency in the fees being charged across local media outlets.

“We will look at ending the requirement for printed statutory notices for alcohol licenses as part of the licensing call for evidence. We will do this by recognising that our local press still play an important role in informing local communities about what is happening in their area. This work will also inform a review of other statutory notices, as part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) upcoming Local Media Strategy.