Britain’s boozers have been in steep decline with 209 premises shutting their doors for good in the first of this year alone thanks to soaring costs and the never-ending cost-of-living crisis
Boozers will be allowed to open into the early hours under plans reportedly being pushed by Keir Starmer’s Government to save the ‘British night out’. Pubs have been in crisis due to spiralling costs with 209 premises shutting their doors for good in the first six months of 2025 alone.
The Prime Minister is set to throw his weight behind the pub plans which were drawn up by the leaders of the alcohol and hospitality industries, reported the Guardian. The fast-track bid will cut “red tape” thought to be making it hard for pubs to host live music and food pop-ups.
Starmer said pubs are “the beating heart” of communities in the UK, after the government launched a four-week “blitz” survey of landlords, customers and neighbours. It is understood the exercise could lead to a bonfire of old licencing rules over fears some historic venues have shut because of noise complaints or advertising concerns.
“Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities,” Sir Keir said, and added that the government was “backing them to thrive”.
He continued: “This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together. When our locals do well, our economy does too.”
Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: “This review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe.
“That is the balance we’re trying to strike. We’re determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets.”
The call for evidence follows a probe by the government’s licencing taskforce, which ended earlier this year. Among its recommendations was a proposal to remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement, when a manager wants to set up a premises or alter their licence.
“This is a cost for a licensed business that serves no meaningful purpose other than to provide a revenue stream to companies operating local newspapers and should be removed,” the taskforce agreed, and warned that readership had declined “significantly” since the advertising requirement was brought in.
The taskforce also recommended a permanent increase to the number of temporary event notices which landlords can apply for, raising the ceiling from 15 covering 21 days per year, to “ideally” 25 covering 30 days, and simpler rules for trading in outdoor areas.
However, critics warned the plans amount to “a charter for chaos” that will lead to more drink-related aggression, greater violence against women and even more deaths from alcohol, health experts claim.
Dr Katherine Severi, the chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies thinktank, said they would “allow an open all hours free-for-all in the availability of alcohol”.
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