Reforming the licensing system
Call for evidence description
The government invites views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.
This call for evidence builds on the Licensing Taskforce recommendations and the government’s response and supports the government’s commitment to reduce regulatory burdens by 25% by the end of this Parliament.
This call for evidence focuses on the ‘on trade’ in relation to alcohol sales, for example pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, and on all entertainment licensed under the Licensing Act 2003.
Who should respond
- Licensed businesses and trade bodies
- Local authorities and licensing officers
- Police and other enforcement agencies
- Cultural and community organisations
- Residents’ advocacy groups
- Legal, planning and regulatory professionals
- Public health organisations
- Local news publishers
- Members of the public
Introduction
The government’s licensing reforms aim to create a modern, proportionate, and enabling system that supports economic growth, revitalizes high streets and fosters vibrant communities.
Central to this vision is reducing administrative burdens on businesses by 25% while maintaining strong safeguards for public safety, crime prevention and public health.
The current licensing system, under the Licensing Act 2003 and supported by statutory guidance, regulates activities such as the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment and late-night refreshment. Local authorities issue licences and enforce conditions based on 4 licensing objectives:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- public safety
- the prevention of public nuisance
- the protection of children from harm
Applications for, and variations to, licences are assessed against these objectives. The aim of the licensing system is to support vibrant local economies while ensuring communities are safe and protected, with businesses benefiting from a fair and proportionate regulatory framework. However, as the Taskforce has said, over the years the balance of the system has shifted, with greater weight being given to public safety and crime prevention, under the statutory licensing objectives, and less of a focus on business resilience and growth.
Reform of the regime seeks to streamline outdated processes, improve consistency across local authorities and better integrate licensing with related regimes such as planning, community cohesion, tourism and cultural policy. It should promote fairness, transparency and responsiveness to local needs, while encouraging innovation and investment in hospitality, leisure, culture and night-time economies. Through mechanisms like a National Licensing Policy Framework, a licensing condition amnesty and continuing the transition towards online systems, the government aims to make systems more effective and efficient, empowering local authorities and businesses alike. Reform will be shaped through broad stakeholder engagement, including this call for evidence.
Strategic initiatives such as zoning, promotion of tourism and growth and enhanced training for licensing officers will help ensure effective delivery.
As part of our commitment to rebalance the licensing system, as reforms are implemented we will monitor their impact on the existing licensing objectives, on local authority and police resources, on public health, and on business resilience and growth.
This call for evidence focuses on those proposals where the Taskforce indicated there is potential for the greatest benefit. Other proposals, including some Taskforce recommendations, will be considered further in due course and consulted on as appropriate.