Government launches major review of the Licensing Act 2003

The UK Government has launched a major review of the Licensing Act 2003, aiming to modernise and streamline the licensing system for alcohol, entertainment, and late-night refreshment. Dubbed the “Red Tape Review,” this initiative seeks to reduce regulatory burdens, support economic growth, and enhance cultural and community life across England and Wales.

The
Home Office and Department for Business and Trade are leading the effort, inviting stakeholders to respond to a Call for Evidence that explores a wide range of proposed reforms. These proposals are designed to make the licensing system more consistent, transparent, and responsive to modern challenges and opportunities.

According to the government’s announcement, the review could pave the way for more flexible outdoor trading, simplified licensing conditions, and better support for festivals and night-time economies. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer described the initiative as a chance to “bring more food, music and fun to your local,” while ensuring public safety and community wellbeing remain central.

Below is a breakdown of the key themes and proposals included in the Call for Evidence:

1. National Licensing Policy Framework

Establish a national framework to harmonise licensing practices across local authorities while preserving local discretion. The framework would align licensing with broader government goals such as economic growth, cultural development, public safety, and community well being.

2. Licensing Condition Amnesty

Introduce an amnesty process to allow removal of outdated or disproportionate licence conditions, especially those inherited from pre-2005 regimes. These would be treated as minor variations, streamlining the process and reducing regulatory burdens for on-trade premises.

3. Statutory Notice Requirements

End the requirement to publish alcohol licence notices in printed local newspapers due to declining readership and high costs. Explore digital alternatives such as online portals, council websites, and social media to maintain transparency and public awareness.

4. Outdoor Trading and Pavement Licences

Simplify and extend pavement licence durations, remove outdated COVID-related conditions, clarify licensing rules for outdoor alcohol sales, and promote best practice guidance to support seasonal flexibility and economic activity.

5. Temporary Event Notices (TENs)

Permanently increase the number of TENs allowed per year for licensed premises to support community events. Consider retaining safeguards such as the 24-hour gap between events and transferring licence conditions to TENs.

6. Blanket Policies and Core Hours

Proposal: Introduce requirements for regular review or sunset clauses for blanket licensing policies, such as core opening hours, to ensure they remain proportionate and evidence-based.

7. Evidence and Data Protocol

Develop a national protocol to standardise providential requirements, promote early mediation, and clarify objection procedures. Consider giving licensing officers greater influence in decision-making, similar to planning officers.

8. Festivals and Events

Enable longer-term or perpetual licences for recurring festivals and events to support investment, planning, and stability in the sector.

9. Agent of Change Principle

Strengthen the application of the Agent of Change principle in licensing decisions to protect existing venues from complaints arising due to new residential developments nearby.

10. Hospitality, Leisure & Cultural Zones

 Explore the use of designated zones to preserve and manage vibrant night-time economies. Encourage local consultation and use of licensing and planning mechanisms to support economic and cultural activity.

11. Impacts – Crime, Public Health, Local Authorities, Equality

Assess the potential impacts of proposed reforms on public safety, crime, public health, and equality. Identify reforms that may place burdens on licensing authorities and suggest mitigation measures.

The government is seeking views from businesses, local authorities, residents, and other stakeholders. This call for evidence closes at midday on 6 November 2025.

For more information or to submit your views, visit the official Call for Evidence page.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive.

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. When our locals do well, our economy does too.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said:

As part of our Plan for Change, 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. That is the balance we’re trying to strike.

We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.

Nick Mackenzie, co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce and CEO at Greene King, said:

Modernising the licensing system is a vital step towards reducing the red-tape that has stifled businesses for too long. Swift consultation on the Licensing Taskforce’s recommendations is key and we urge the Government and industry to work together to ensure changes made at pace to address the challenges of running a modern hospitality business.

Pubs are faced with continued rising costs, placing them under enormous pressures which is why the Government must continue to back the sector, including critical reforms on business rates which would unlock opportunities for pubs to invest and help drive economic growth.This call for evidence closes at midday on 6 November 2025