Keir Starmer promises bonfire of red tape for struggling pubs with key changes

Keir Starmer is promising a bonfire of red tape for struggling pubs - making it easier for them to host live music and food pop-ups.

The Prime Minister said he is backing pubs and bars "to thrive" with a four-week rapid review aiming to rip up old licensing rules.

No10 said current restrictions have made it difficult for pubs to serve food outdoors, hold live music event, or even stay open due to noise complaints. There were also reports the venues could be able to stay open later with extended opening hours to boost the "British night out".

Mr Starmer said: “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our Plan for Change, we’re backing them to thrive.

“This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together. When our locals do well, our economy does too.”

The four-week review will hear from communities, landlords, and punters, after dozens of Britain’s best rated pubs closed in the past year.

The British Beer and Pub Association estimated in the summer that 378 pubs will shut in 2025 across England, Wales and Scotland - on top of 350 lost last year.

The Mirror is campaigning to support the industry with its Your Pub Needs You crusade.

We are calling for a government fighting fund for pubs, recognition for bars going above and beyond for their community, and support for groups wanting to buy their local.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said: "This review will help us cut through the red tape that has held back our brilliant hospitality sector, giving them the freedom to flourish while keeping communities safe.

"That is the balance we're trying to strike. We're determined to back small businesses and bring the buzz back to our high streets."

The call for evidence follows a probe by the Government's licensing taskforce, which ended earlier this year. Among its recommendations was a proposal to remove the hard-copy local newspaper advertising requirement, when a manager wants to set up a premises or alter their licence.

"This is a cost for a licensed business that serves no meaningful purpose other than to provide a revenue stream to companies operating local newspapers and should be removed," the taskforce agreed.

The taskforce also recommended a permanent increase to the number of temporary event notices which landlords can apply for, raising the ceiling from 15 covering 21 days per year, to "ideally" 25 covering 30 days, and simpler rules for trading in outdoor areas.