Government publishes new “National Licensing Policy Framework” for the hospitality and leisure sectors

The Government has published the National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors on 26 November 2025, setting out the strategic vision for a “modern, permissive licensing system that safeguards communities while enabling hospitality and leisure to thrive.”

The framework aims to balance public safety with economic growth, supporting vibrant communities while reducing regulatory burdens.

At its core, the framework maintains the statutory objectives of licensing: protecting public safety, preventing crime and disorder, reducing public nuisance, and safeguarding children. However, it also places greater emphasis on the role of licensing in driving regeneration, supporting high streets, and enabling investment in local economies.

More than 200,000 businesses operate under the licensing regime, including around 145,000 pubs, restaurants, cafés and entertainment venues. With one in five high street properties standing empty in some areas, ministers say the framework is intended to help revitalise local economies by making licensing decisions more predictable, proportionate and aligned with wider planning and regeneration strategies.

The framework commits to reducing the administrative costs of regulation by 25%, ensuring licences are granted on the terms sought and conditions applied only when necessary and proportionate. Local authorities are encouraged to adopt evidence-led decision-making that supports growth while safeguarding communities.

Hospitality and leisure businesses are expected to benefit from greater flexibility and reduced costs, empowering operators to innovate and expand. Communities, meanwhile, are promised a licensing system that fosters safe, inclusive and vibrant spaces while supporting local jobs and cohesion.

The government describes the framework as a strategic shift from a purely risk-management approach to one that actively supports investment, regeneration and innovation across the sector.

The Government said:

“The government wants to ensure that hospitality, leisure, cultural and night-life venues are supported to thrive in a safe way. This National Licensing Policy Framework therefore applies exclusively to on-trade premises – that is, premises authorised under the Licensing Act 2003 for on‑sales of alcohol, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment. 

“This includes, but is not restricted to pubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, and hotels as well as entertainment and cultural venues such as theatres, cinemas, concert halls, festivals and events. For the purposes of this framework, the premises includes beer gardens and licensed pavement areas.”

The framework was published as part of the Government’s 2025 Budget annoucements.