The UK government has unveiled a new ten-step plan to review and improve licensing regulations for pubs, clubs, venues, and events, drawing positive responses from the music industry.
Industry welcomes ten step plan for UK festivals and venues
The music industry has welcomed a new report that makes ten recommendations for how the UK government could improve the licensing of pubs, clubs, venues and events. The report was put together by a government-convened taskforce that was asked to review licensing rules 20 years on from the last major overhaul of the law.
Among other things, the report calls for the creation of a National Licensing Policy Framework to ensure more consistency in how local authorities go about licensing businesses and events. It also proposes a one-time 'amnesty' that would remove conditions in existing licenses that are outdated or stem from licensing rules pre-2003.
A possible change to the law to provide a standardized route for music festivals seeking a perpetual license and a further expansion of the 'agent of change' principle are also highlighted in the recommendations.
Rationale Behind the Taskforce
Minister Gareth Thomas emphasized that nighttime and hospitality businesses have indicated that the current licensing system has moved away from its original intention of creating a flexible and transparent framework for regulating the sale and supply of alcohol and types of entertainment.
While balancing the interests of these businesses with local communities, the Minister stressed the importance of not burdening them with unnecessarily cumbersome red tape. The taskforce's recommendations aim to address the key issues faced by such businesses and overcome the obstacles.
LIVE CEO's Response
Jon Collins, CEO of live music trade group, LIVE, lauded the report, expressing delight in working with the government to develop the proposals. He praised the business-friendly measures and the positive impact they would have on venues, events, and festivals.
The 'rebalancing of the licensing regime' is expected to retain necessary protections while opening up new opportunities for growth and vibrancy within the industry.
Government Response and Future Steps
Although no firm commitments have been made regarding the implementation of the report's recommendations, the government has pledged to explore the suggestions at the earliest opportunity. Consulting a wider range of stakeholders before bringing in measures, the government aims to restore balance and ensure the vibrancy, resilience, and economic growth of communities.
The recommendations include measures that have long been advocated for by the live sector, such as strengthening the 'agent of change' principle, which aims to anticipate and mitigate future noise issues when new residential properties are developed near existing venues.
The government, in response to the taskforce's report, has vowed to improve the 'agent of change' principle implementation and consult on a set of national policies for decision-making.
Published on 13 August 2025 by UKFG
