Purpose

1.1        On the 8 October 2025 the Government issued a 4 week call for evidence in respect to reforms of the Licensing system under the Licensing Act 2003.

1.2        The call for evidence was highlighted by a Member of the Licensing Committee and Officers drafted a response that was endorsed by the Chair of the Licensing Committee.

1.3        The Government published its response to this call for evidence towards the end of November, and too late for a formal report at the 2025 December Licensing Committee. The Government also revised the statutory guidance under the Licensing Act 2003 and issued new non-statutory guidance to licensing authorities.

At the heart of the call for evidence and the actions taken by, or proposed to be taken by, the government has a desire to assist the hospitality industry in the light of challenging economic conditions.

Decision

That the report is noted.