What has happened?
The Government has made the decision not to go ahead with making on-sale alcohol licences automatically cover off-sales and increase the number of Temporary Event Notices permitted, in its response to a consultation on regulatory easements to the Licensing Act 2003.
UKHospitality has been a strong proponent of both measures being made permanent, after being temporarily introduced during the pandemic. As part of its consultation response, it highlighted the benefits to the economy and businesses, as well as increasing footfall in local areas and supporting the growth of communities and high streets.
Our response
Our Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “There’s no doubt that this is disappointing news for hospitality businesses. The temporary measures introduced during the pandemic were practical and enabled businesses to generate additional sales.
“This decision will raise questions among hospitality businesses about how serious the Government is about reducing red-tape for businesses, particularly when this would have been a low-cost, high-reward change.
“I would continue to urge the Government to consider measures like these as prime targets for change, as part of its focus on deregulation. UKHospitality and its members are keen to work together with government departments to identify areas that can be improved or changed, to reduce the regulatory burden and boost the economy.”
