Our trusted local titles have reported on the impact of plans to scrap laws requiring alcohol licensing notices and changes to local authority governance arrangements to be published in newspapers.
The views of politicians through to pub landlords have been featured by our news brands after the Government launched a consultation on licensing reform, which leaders of the local news media sector have labelled as an attack on the public right to know.
The consultation includes a proposal to remove the statutory requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be advertised in print local papers, which industry leaders including our CEO Danny Cammiade have warned will keep local communities in the dark about key decisions.
The proposal in the consultation, launched by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, would mean that plans to open new licenced premises, or for an existing venue to change its opening hours, would no longer be advertised in local news brands.
Interviewed by the Voice, the leader of Cornwall Council called for “transparency and accountability” in response to the plan.
Local transparency
Cllr Leigh Frost, the Liberal Democrat leader of Cornwall Council, said: “These notices are a vital way for communities to stay informed about what’s happening in their area, from new pubs and venues to late night licences, and give people the chance to have their say.
“Keeping the requirement is good for ensuring transparency and accountability in decisions that affect us all. Scrapping them would make it harder for residents to know what’s being proposed right on their doorstep.”
The Abergavenny Chronicle interviewed Andrew Powell, owner of two pubs, who said the hospitality sector needed more practical support to cut costs instead of meagre changes.
“This government says it isn’t taxing individuals, but it already has,” Andrew said.
“I have had to put 50 pence on every meal and 10 pence on every pint so in a way it’s my regulars who are paying the price. Even for licensing fees, I now pay £190 per year. Less than 20 years ago, I was paying £20 for three years, so the burden is a case of all the little things adding up.
“But removing the advertising requirement for public notices…that means nothing to us. It is a paper exercise, and although it might make us a small saving the number of people it will affect is minimal and I know It’s not something I’m looking for or anything which will help me.”
Current examples
Our titles featured details of local licencing applications currently being advertised in newspapers. The Woking News & Mail published examples of recent stories on requests for the local area.
It said: “This month, a company linked to snooker player Jimmy ‘The Whirlwind’ White submitted a licensing application to allow alcohol sales, entertainment and late-night refreshments at his planned sports lounge in Kingfield.
“The application seeks permission to sell alcohol on-site from 10am to 1.30am daily, host regulated entertainment until 2am, with live commentary until 2.30am, and serve late-night refreshments from 11pm to 1.30am.
“Meanwhile, Londis is seeking a licence to sell alcohol for off-sales between 7am and 11pm daily from its store in Station Approach, West Byfleet.”
The Brecon & Radnor Express cited recent examples of local debate on licencing applications: “Earlier this year, Powys residents saw the importance of this process firsthand. An application to extend the late-night music and alcohol licence for part of the Royal Welsh Showground was approved by Powys County Council following scrutiny.
“The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society applied to extend outdoor music hours from 11pm to 1am and late-night refreshments from midnight to 1:30am in Zone C (Maes M) of the showground.
“Three objections were raised over safety, lighting, and local impact. Councillors discussed the issue in light of 19-year-old James Corfield’s 2017 death, which prompted safety reviews. The licensing committee ultimately approved the variation after considering the objections.”
System changes
In announcing the consultation on the planned changes, the Government said the licensing reforms “aimed to create a modern, proportionate and enabling system that supports economic growth, revitalises high streets and fosters vibrant communities”.
The consultation launch by the Home Office and Department for Business and Trade added: “Reform of the regime seeks to streamline outdated processes, improve consistency across local authorities and better integrate licensing with related regimes such as planning, community cohesion, tourism and cultural policy.”
Danny Cammiade, who is also chairman of the News Media Association, said recently: “Local news media in print and digital provide a highly trusted and independent environment for public notices to appear in, with local journalists often reporting on the content of the notices.
“Developed with funding and expertise from Google, the industry’s Public Notice Portal has increased the reach of public notices online, with the print requirement remaining essential for ensuring those who cannot, or prefer not to, use digital technology can access the notices.
“Removing alcohol licensing notices from local papers would undermine this work and leave local communities shrouded in secrecy. Ministers must change course and abandon this misguided plan.”