From the future of club culture to Martyn’s Law: NTC 2026 brings together some of the sector’s most influential voices

The Institute of Licensing’s National Training Conference (NTC) 2026 is bringing together some of the biggest names in licensing, hospitality, security, law and government, with two headline sessions set to tackle the issues shaping the future of the sector.
As licensing professionals prepare to gather in Stratford-upon-Avon this November, the programme reinforces why NTC remains the sector’s must-attend event for learning, debate and networking. Leading the agenda are The State of the Night: Culture, Clubs and the Future and Martyn’s Law: 6 months to go; two high-profile sessions featuring influential voices at the heart of national policy, regulation and the night-time economy.

The future of nightlife takes centre stage in The State of the Night, bringing together an exceptional line-up of industry leaders. Among them is Sacha Lord FIH, Chair of the Night Time Industries Association and former Night Time Economy Adviser to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, whose campaigning has made him one of the UK’s most influential advocates for the sector.

Joining him is Jules O’Riordan MBE, better known as Judge Jules, the internationally renowned former BBC Radio 1 DJ and practising solicitor. Combining expertise in entertainment, business and law, he brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing modern nightlife.

Also on the panel is Caitlin McAllister, Managing Director of Ministry of Sound, one of the world’s most iconic nightlife brands. Her experience leading a globally recognised institution will provide valuable insight into how the sector can evolve and thrive amid changing consumer habits, economic pressures and policy demands.

Together, the panel will explore the findings of The State of the Night and examine the future of clubs, live music venues and cultural spaces at a pivotal moment for the night-time economy.

Another major draw for delegates will be Martyn’s Law: 6 months to go, a timely and authoritative discussion on one of the most significant regulatory changes facing venues, operators and licensing authorities.

Featuring Sir John Saunders, Chair of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, and Laura Gibb, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, the session will give delegates direct access to those helping shape and deliver the new regime.

With implementation fast approaching, this promises to be one of the most important discussions available on the practical implications of Martyn’s Law and what organisations should be doing now to prepare.

Bringing together senior figures from government, regulation, enforcement and industry, these sessions highlight the calibre of speakers and debate that make NTC the flagship event in the licensing calendar.

And for those who have not yet booked, there is still a chance to attend for free. The Institute’s NTC prize draw offers one lucky winner a fully sponsored place at the conference, providing a unique opportunity to hear from the people shaping the future of licensing, public safety and the night-time economy.

Enter the NTC 2026 prize draw for your chance to win a fully sponsored place and join the conversations defining the future of the sector.

Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, licensed clubs, hotels, gyms, cinemas and other high street favourites across Wales are set to see their rates bills cut by 30% as the Welsh Government backs the businesses people depend on.

The move forms part of the Welsh Government’s manifesto commitment to rebalance business rates and breathe new life into town centres.

This permanent support will exceed the 15% temporary relief for food and drink hospitality currently in place, giving businesses greater certainty to plan and invest for the future.

Businesses set to benefit include:

food and drink hospitality venues: pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, food courts, licensed clubs and live music venues
visitor accommodation: hotels, guest houses and hostels
leisure venues: cinemas, theatres, libraries, museums and gyms

Eligible small to medium sized properties with a rateable value below £51,000 will attract the permanent support. Retail shops will also continue to benefit from this support, which will build on the lower multiplier in place this year.

A small increase to the higher multiplier, which applies to the highest-value properties in Wales, will fund the support, without reducing the overall contribution business rates make to funding public services in Wales.

First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said:

Our high streets are the heartbeat of communities right across Wales, and the businesses that fill them deserve our backing.
This 30% cut to rates for pubs, cafés, gyms, hotels and so many other local favourites is about giving those businesses the confidence to invest, grow and keep serving the communities that rely on them.
We’re making the system work better for the sectors that bring our town centres to life.

The change sits alongside the work of the Town Centres Taskforce, which will consider what more tailored support individual town centres need, recognising that different parts of Wales face different challenges.

Cabinet Minister for Finance Elin Jones said:

This significant and permanent change will make a real difference to eligible hospitality and leisure businesses right across Wales.
We’ve taken a balanced approach, ensuring this support is affordable while protecting the vital contribution business rates make to our public services – targeting help where it will have the greatest impact on our high streets.

Regulations will be brought forward in the autumn and, subject to Senedd approval, will take effect from 1 April 2027.

The precise values of all multipliers for 2027-2028 will be confirmed as part of budget preparations, following the UK government’s Autumn Budget.