UK Licensing Act Overhaul: What Venues Need to Know Now

A Shake-Up for Hospitality: Government Launches Review of Licensing Laws

On October 9, 2025, the UK Government initiated a long-awaited, fast-track review of the Licensing Act 2003, launching a call for evidence on proposals designed to modernize the rules for hospitality venues across England and Wales. The four-week consultation, which runs until November 6, 2025, aims to cut bureaucracy and support growth by making the licensing system more flexible and efficient.

Developed in collaboration with an industry task force that includes the trade body UKHospitality, these proposed reforms could represent the most significant changes to licensing in two decades. They address key operational hurdles that pubs, restaurants, hotels, and event spaces have long campaigned to change.

Key Proposals on the Table

The review focuses on several core areas intended to streamline processes, reduce costs, and empower businesses to adapt to changing consumer demands.

Creating a National Licensing Policy Framework

One of the central proposals is the creation of a National Licensing Policy Framework. This would establish a set of high-level principles for local authorities to follow when making licensing decisions.

The goal is to reduce the so-called "postcode lottery," where licensing conditions and interpretations of the law can vary dramatically from one council to the next. For businesses operating across multiple locations, this could bring much-needed consistency and predictability.

More Flexibility for Events with More TENs

A significant boost for venues that host events, the government is considering increasing the number of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) a single premises can use.

• What is a TEN? A TEN allows a venue to carry out a licensable activity (like selling alcohol or providing entertainment) on a one-off or temporary basis.
• The Proposal: The consultation seeks feedback on increasing the annual allowance of TENs per premises from 15 to 20, and raising the total number of days covered by TENs from 21 to 26 per year.

This change would give venues greater capacity to host pop-up events, festivals, and other special functions, driving additional revenue.

Simplifying Rules for Outdoor Trading

Building on the lessons learned since 2020, the review aims to make it permanently easier for venues to offer al fresco dining and drinking. The proposals look to simplify the process for getting permission for outdoor seating in beer gardens, terraces, and pavement areas, removing unnecessary red tape that can stifle innovation and investment.

Axing the Newspaper Ad Requirement

In a move to ditch an outdated and costly rule, the review proposes removing the legal requirement for new license applicants to advertise their application in a local newspaper. This practice is often expensive and has limited reach in the digital age.

The proposed alternative would involve displaying a clear notice on the premises and publishing the application on the relevant local authority's website—a solution seen as both more effective and far more economical for new businesses.

What This Means for Your Venue

These potential reforms could have a direct and positive impact on the day-to-day operations of hospitality businesses:

• Reduced Costs: Eliminating newspaper advertising fees and streamlining applications will lower the financial barrier to entry and expansion.
• Less Administration: A more consistent national framework and simpler processes mean less time and resources spent navigating complex local regulations.
• Greater Agility: An increased TENs allowance and easier outdoor trading rules will allow venues to respond more quickly to customer trends and seasonal opportunities.

Have Your Say

The government's call for evidence is a critical opportunity for the industry to shape its future. The consultation is open to feedback from venue operators, licensing authorities, police, and members of the public. All stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views on the proposals before the deadline on November 6, 2025.