A win for nighttime venues & HOLBA as new licensing framework announced

5 December: The Government has published its first-ever National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors, a new high-level strategy designed to balance community protection with economic growth. For the first time, licensing authorities must explicitly consider how their decisions promote business growth and deliver local economic benefits. 

Local authorities must treat the framework as guidance and at their next policy review they will need to demonstrate how their licensing statements reflect the framework’s aims. Progress will be tracked through existing data and stakeholder feedback, and the Government has signalled it may reserving pursue statutory reforms if needed. Where conflicts arise, the Licensing Act 2003 and section 182 Guidance continue to take precedence, ensuring clarity for operators and communities. 

The Government is also appointing a new Retail and Hospitality Envoy to champion sector reform and ensure clear leadership from central government, rather than leaving revival efforts solely to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government or local councils. 

As part of the Government’s commitment to “reduce regulatory burdens by 25% by the end of this Parliament” - in relation to pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, and on all entertainment licensed under the Licensing Act 2003 - HOLBA submitted to its Call for Evidence, helping shape the new framework.  

Many businesses, especially in the evening and nighttime economy, face costly and time-consuming barriers to securing viable licences. That’s why we called for: 

• Embedding economic growth and cultural vitality alongside the four statutory objectives. 
• Greater alignment between licensing and planning systems to reduce uncertainty and administrative costs. 
• Streamlined, modernised licensing processes through digitisation, standardised national guidance, and more efficient decision-making. 
• A fairer, more transparent system with proportionate, evidence-based decisions that reflect diverse community voices.  

The West End is the UK’s most productive and culturally significant district, a global destination for theatre, live music, dining, and entertainment. We believe that economic growth and cultural vibrancy are not at odds with public safety; they are essential to sustaining and enhancing it.  

This framework arrives at a critical moment with not only central Government but also the Greater London Authority and Westminster City Council reviewing policies and considering reforms. We will continue to develop proposals and engage collaboratively with policymakers, industry partners, and communities to ensure a licensing system that supports growth, enhances culture, and continues to improve safety.