Axing pub licensing notices would silence your voice - why we’re determined to stop plans
Pubs are cornerstones of our communities, but energy bills, rising costs and consumers tightening their belts have all taken a toll on our beloved establishments.
Our title, along with our sister brands across the country, has long championed our local boozers, bars and nightclubs. From celebrating new openings and the inspiring fundraising efforts of hospitality staff, to calling for more government funding to revive the sector, we’ll always stand behind an industry that’s crying out for more support.
The Government is currently exploring ways to rejuvenate the high street and hospitality sector by reforming the alcohol licensing regime. Some of the proposals could offer much-needed support to venues.
But as part of its review of the Licensing Act 2003, which applies to England and Wales, one proposal suggests that removing licensing application notices from local newspapers is somehow a necessary cut to bureaucratic red tape.
If enacted, the proposal in the consultation - launched on October 9 by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Business Secretary Peter Kyle - would mean that plans to open a new pub or nightclub, or for an existing venue to change its opening hours, would no longer be publicised within local communities.
Local newspapers, like pubs, have had to adapt to survive. Both have suffered heavily in recent years - from the pandemic, changing consumer habits, and rising costs.
And removing licensing notices from local newspapers doesn’t just hurt publishers. It would shut local people out of decisions that affect their daily lives. These notices give residents the chance to have their say on new venues opening up, changes to licensing hours, or proposed developments that may impact local amenities.
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Scrapping them would be a worrying move - and we want to hear from you.
We’d like to know how you would feel if those applying for a licence to sell alcohol in your community were no longer obliged to notify the community of this intention, meaning people would no longer have the opportunity to object or raise concerns about the plan. Complete our survey and make your voice heard.
Our local establishments need help to survive. They need funding, they need respite from extortionate energy bills, and they need our visits. Once they’re gone, they could well be gone forever.
But removing public notices from local papers is a damaging attack on the public’s right to know - and we’ll continue to fight to stop the plans.
