Following an intensive policy ‘sprint’ – a new, fast-tracked way of making and/or reviewing policy – the Government has committed to actioning all 10 proposals put forward by the industry-led Licensing Taskforce to improve the Licensing Act.
These are no minor tweaks; it’s a fundamental overhaul of the original Licensing Act 2003, a piece of legislation that I personally helped to shape. More than 20 years later, however, and it’s clear that what was once a bedrock for our vibrant hospitality sector – from world-class restaurants to cherished community eateries – has, in some cases, become a millstone. The spirit of freedom and deregulation that the Act championed was being stifled, which is why it is so satisfying to have achieved this strategic victory.
Our recommendations will unlock potential, drive investment and breathe new life into the restaurant industry and our high streets, transforming them into thriving hubs for both dining and socialising.
This success is the direct result of a relentless, collaborative effort led by UKHospitality. Working with key partners, we secured our seat at the table, chaired the crucial working groups and articulated a clear, evidence-based vision for a modern licensing framework. The result is a package of powerful, pro-growth recommendations that will be presented to the Chancellor ahead of the Autumn Budget.
This is a testament to the influence our sector now wields and a clear signal of the vital role restaurants and the wider hospitality industry play in the nation’s economic and social fabric. It showcases what we, as an organisation, can deliver for our members: real, tangible change that impacts your bottom line.
So, what does this victory mean for your restaurant?
First, the new National Licensing Policy Framework will end the ‘postcode lottery’ of decisions. For too long, restaurateurs have been frustrated by inconsistent interpretations of the law, where a licence for a terrace might be granted in one borough but refused in another. This framework will provide clear direction, rebalancing the system to promote growth and vibrancy, not just manage risk.
Equally transformative is the one-time licensing condition ‘amnesty’. This will provide a clean slate for venues shackled by archaic conditions. For restaurants, this could mean an end to baffling historical rules like ‘no service on the terrace after 9pm’ or outdated restrictions on the type of food that must accompany a drink. It allows you to modernise your licence to reflect your current operating model, free from outdated restrictions.
The package also delivers on the practical frustrations restaurants face daily. It increases the allowance for Temporary Event Notices (TENs), giving you more freedom to host special events, from a guest chef evening to a celebratory New Year’s Eve extension. Crucially, it cements the future of al fresco dining. By removing barriers to using outdoor space and providing long-term certainty, the Government is finally giving restaurants the confidence they need to invest properly in their terraces and pavement spaces.
Collectively, these measures represent the most significant liberalisation of licensing law in a generation. They will cut red tape, reduce costs and empower restaurants to innovate, invest and create jobs.
Let’s be clear: this victory is an enabler, not a silver bullet. The crushing burden of business rates, punitive employment costs and volatile energy prices remain at the very top of our agenda. This must be the start, not the end, of the Government’s support.
For me, this moment feels like coming full circle. To have been there at the birth of the Act and to now be leading the charge for its renewal is a profound privilege. It is a testament to the power of a unified industry speaking with one, powerful voice. We have secured a licensing framework that is once again fit for purpose.
Let’s use this new freedom to do what we do best: innovate, invest and lead the revitalisation of our communities, one fantastic meal at a time.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality