Government pressed on risks of scrapping alcohol licensing notices in local newspapers

The Government is facing renewed scrutiny over proposals to remove the requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be published in local newspapers, following concerns about transparency, community access to information and the financial impact on local media. The issue was raised in Parliament by Chris Evans MP, who pressed ministers on how they intend to support both local newspapers and digitally excluded adults should the statutory duty be withdrawn.

Evans asked the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment had been made of the consequences for local journalism and for residents who rely on printed information. His question follows recommendations from the Government’s Licensing Taskforce, which suggested removing the long‑standing requirement for applicants to publish notices in local newspapers.

Responding for the Government, Culture Minister Ian Murray said a Call for Evidence on licensing reform was launched on 7 October. He described the wider reform programme as an effort to create a “modern, proportionate, and enabling system” that supports economic growth and revitalises high streets.

Murray acknowledged the role of local newspapers in informing communities and recognised that statutory notices remain an important mechanism for public awareness. He also noted the need to consider the impact on people who are digitally excluded and may not have reliable access to online information.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is developing a Local Media Strategy, which will include a review of statutory notices. This review will examine the implications of removing print requirements, including:

– the financial and civic impact on local newspapers
– the accessibility implications for residents who rely on printed information
– whether alternative models could maintain transparency while modernising licensing processes

Further details on the strategy are expected later in the year.