Post published on June 2, 2024.

The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill was not included in the Government’s wash-up process following the dissolution of Government.

The wash-up period refers to the last few days of a Parliament before dissolution. Any unfinished business is lost at dissolution, and the Government may need the co-operation of the Opposition in passing legislation that is still in progress.

The Bill was a Private Member’s Bill which did not reach a conclusion and would need to be reintroduced in the next Parliament or be a measure adopted by the next government.

The Bill was originally introduced by Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck. Should Labour win the National Election and Ms Lewell-Buck is re-elected, it is the Institute’s understanding that the intention is to re-introduce the Bill.