Consultation on relaxing licensing laws welcomed

A consultation is underway considering if the current pub licensing laws are fit for purpose.

An Oxfordshire MP has said relaxing some of the licensing rules would "empower publicans... making it easier for them to operate".

A four week government consultation is underway to find ways to cut red tape and support landlords to put on more community events. Communities are also being asked whether they think the laws should be relaxed.

MP for Banbury, Sean Woodcock, said he was delighted the government was listening to owners, punters and communities to learn what they needed.

Cherwell District Council, the licensing authority for Banbury, said it hoped any proposed changes did not adversely affect the wider community including noise complaints and concerns around nighttime safety.

The consultation will look at the current laws - including those around serving food outside and hosting live music - to see if people think they are fit for purpose.

Mr Woodcock said, "I want our brilliant pubs to succeed, both as businesses and because of the immense value they bring to our communities. I've long called for us to empower publicans and make it easier for them to operate, so I'm delighted that the government is listening to owners, punters and communities to learn what they need."

The review is part of the government's Plan for Change, to help reduce the administrative burden on the hospitality sector by 25%.

Landlord of The Pepper Pot Pub in Banbury, Mirror Milenkovic, said: "A few restrictions could be lifted. We're a bit restricted in what we can do outside. If we could do that more often, especially in the summer, that would be a good thing for around here."

Cherwell District Council, the licensing authority for Banbury, is concerned changes to the laws might lead to an increase in noise complaints.

Cherwell District Council oversees pubs in Banbury to make sure they comply with licensing laws.

Councillor Rob Parkinson, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities at the authority, said the rules exist to support pub goers and residents, helping the council to make "joined-up decisions" over things like opening hours.

Mr Parkinson said the council supports "a level of flexibility for businesses, helping them innovate and broaden their offerings, but we hope that any changes do not incur wider community impacts with noise complaints, and concerns for night time safety and public health all needing to be given due weight."