Licensing System reform Call for Evidence published by the Government

Today, the Government has published a Call for Evidence for views and evidence to reform the Licensing Act 2003.

This survey builds on the recommendations made by the Licensing Taskforce back in July this year, and is in support of the Government’s commitment to reduce regulatory burdens on hospitality operators by 25%.

The Call for Evidence specifically focuses on the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, and regulated entertainment.

The Government is inviting comments from all stakeholders within the licensed trade and beyond, including;

• Operators
• local authorities and licensing officers
• police and other enforcement agencies
• cultural and community organisations
• residents’ groups
• legal, planning and regulatory professionals
• public health organisations
• local news publishers
• members of the public

The proposals tabled by the Government seek to invite comments on a number of proposals, including the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework, the removal of the requirement to print a notice in the newspaper for relevant applications, the introduction of the Agent of Change principle to licensing and a number of other pro-hospitality suggestions.

The Government acknowledges that this is not the final Call for Evidence on this matter, and it is focusing at this stage on the proposals which the Taskforce indicated had the potential for the greatest benefit to the trade. Further proposals will be considered and consulted on in due course.

The call for evidence closes at midday on 6^th November 2025.

More information can be found here and the survey can be found here.

For further information, please feel free to contact Felix Faulkner on f.faulkner@popall.co.uk or any of our licensing solicitors on 0115 953 8500.