Licensing Hours Extension Bill: Key Updates for Licensed Venues

Insight

Faster Licensing Extensions

The Licensing Hours Extension Bill has reached the Committee stage, where MPs examine it line by line, propose amendments, and debate its practical impact. This is a key step before it can move closer to becoming law.

What the Bill proposes

1. Changes to the Licensing Act 2003

Currently, licensing hours orders require an affirmative resolution in Parliament. The Bill proposes allowing these orders to be made via a negative resolution statutory instrument, making the process faster and simpler.

2. A Faster, More Flexible Process

With this change, ministers could extend licensing hours for national events or special occasions more quickly. A full parliamentary debate would only be necessary if objections are raised, giving licensed venues greater agility.

3. Supporting Celebrations and National Moments

The Bill is designed to ensure pubs, bars, and other licensed venues can adapt during national celebrations, such as royal events, major sporting victories, or cultural milestones. This flexibility benefits both businesses and communities, allowing everyone to celebrate together.

Licensing Hours Extension Bill: What licensed premises need to know

Faster Licensing Extensions

What the Bill proposes

1. Changes to the Licensing Act 2003

2. A Faster, More Flexible Process

3. Supporting Celebrations and National Moments

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