Minister responds to concerns of licensing reforms on local media

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has engaged with local newspaper companies to discuss the potential impact of Recommendation 4 from the Licensing policy sprint, which proposes ending the requirement for printed statutory notices in local newspapers for alcohol licences.

In response to a parliamentary question tabled by Louie French MP, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed that it has held discussions with local press stakeholders regarding the implications of Recommendation 4 from the joint industry and HM Government Licensing policy sprint report, published on 31 July 2025.

Recommendation 4 suggests removing the legal requirement to publish alcohol licence notices in printed local newspapers—a move that could significantly affect the revenue and public service role of local media outlets. The Minister of State, Ian Murray, acknowledged these concerns and emphasized that the government is actively seeking input through a Call for Evidence launched on 7 October, which remains open until November 2025.

The Minister stated that the proposed licensing reforms aim to create a “modern, proportionate, and enabling system” that supports economic growth and revitalizes high streets. However, he also recognized the vital role of local journalism in informing communities and the importance of public notices in maintaining civic transparency.

To address these intersecting priorities, DCMS is developing a comprehensive Local Media Strategy. This strategy includes a planned review of all types of public notices, with a specific focus on the future of alcohol licence notifications. The review will assess whether changes to existing print requirements are justified and how they might affect the sustainability of local newspapers.

The department has convened a Local Media Strategy working group to facilitate ongoing dialogue with industry representatives. This group is tasked with exploring the broader implications of licensing reforms and ensuring that any changes are balanced against the need to preserve local journalism’s public interest function.

Further announcements on the Local Media Strategy and the outcome of the public notice review are expected in the coming months.