UK Ministers Plan Licensing Overhaul to Ease Pub, Venue Openings

The UK government is modernizing pub licensing rules to support the hospitality sector, including fast-tracking permissions for al fresco dining and creating dedicated hospitality zones to revitalize disused shops into social venues. Additionally, pubs in England and Wales have been granted extended opening hours until 1am on a specific Sunday to celebrate the England women's football team's appearance in the Euros final, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizing the tradition of watching football in pubs and the role of hospitality in community spirit. Local councils like Epping Forest and Brighton and Hove are updating their licensing policies to balance residents' and businesses' needs, with a focus on safety and crime prevention. Brighton's new policy aims to enhance safeguarding for vulnerable patrons, introduce mandatory anti-spiking measures, and prioritize customer safety over capacity limits to ensure nightlife thrives safely. These changes have been welcomed by industry representatives but are seen as needing to be accompanied by business rate cuts to fully support struggling hospitality businesses amid cost pressures.