Extension of gov.uk online forms

The IoL has been advised by colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade, that there is a commitment to maintain the current system until a new system is in place.

This means it is likely that the system will continue at least until March 2027 (potentially 2028) while a new system is developed and rolled out.

The government response to the Licensing Taskforce Report, states:

With regard to the maintenance of the existing central licensing facility, hosted by the Government Digital Service, which allows businesses to submit alcohol licensing application forms to local councils, the government commits to continuing to support the current licensing facility until the successor solution is available.

While it doesn’t specify timescales, the IoL is advised that this could be read to mean that ‘Licensify will continue beyond March 2026.

The IoL continues to engage Government on the issue on behalf of it Members and will provide further updates as these arise.