Hospitality sector raises concerns over proposed pub bans in sentencing reforms

Proposed changes to sentencing rules in England and Wales could see individuals convicted of certain crimes banned from pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues, prompting concern from industry leaders about the practical and financial implications for already struggling businesses.

According to the BBC, under legislation expected to be introduced next month, courts would gain expanded powers to impose travel and venue bans as part of community sentences. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says the reforms are designed to widen the range of sentencing options available to judges and magistrates, and to reduce reliance on short prison sentences amid ongoing overcrowding in the prison system.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the new sentencing bill would implement several recommendations from the independent review led by former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke. These include early release schemes for well-behaved inmates and tighter restrictions for offenders under probation supervision.

While bans on attending football matches have long been used for those convicted of related violence, the new proposals would allow courts to bar offenders from venues such as pubs and music events, even if the offence was unrelated to those settings. The MoJ argues that such measures could deter reoffending and improve public safety.

However, hospitality leaders have warned that the proposals risk placing undue responsibility on venue operators. Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, said the government must work closely with the sector to avoid “unfairly burdening venues that are already struggling to survive.”

Former Old Bailey judge Wendy Joseph KC echoed these concerns, noting that enforcement would be challenging without proper funding and oversight. “The idea you can keep people out of pubs might be putting a lot of weight on people who run pubs,” she told the BBC. “You’ve got to find a way of catching the people who breach the rules, and punish them.”

The hospitality sector has faced significant pressure in recent years, with rising costs, staffing shortages and declining footfall contributing to widespread closures. Trade bodies fear that additional regulatory burdens—such as monitoring court-imposed bans—could further destabilise the industry.

The MoJ maintains that the reforms will help reduce crime and ensure dangerous offenders remain behind bars. It has pledged £700 million in additional funding for the probation service by 2028 and plans to recruit 1,300 new trainee officers this year. Enhanced tagging and geographic restrictions are also proposed for serious offenders released from custody.

As the legislation moves closer to introduction, hospitality groups are calling for detailed consultation to ensure that public safety measures do not come at the expense of venue viability or staff wellbeing.