Starmer's desperate pub plan backlash as landlords dismiss it with 3-word remark

Landlords have hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s “nonsense” new pub plans, claiming they will do more harm than good. On Wednesday, the Prime Minister unveiled his proposal to cut "red tape" and relax licensing rules which include extended opening hours. However, the plans were met with concern from industry leaders who warned the change would not “drive more business”, but instead "increase financial pressures”.

Hampshire pub owner Matt Todd branded the move as a “waste of time” which will make pubs less profitable due to the longer trading hours. “Allowing pubs to stay open later is a complete waste of time. It won’t drive more business,” The Wonston Arms boss told The Telegraph. Similarly, Clive Watson, chief executive of the City Pub Company, said the Prime Minister’s proposals were “total nonsense”.

He said: “It will increase staffing costs and staff will have to travel home late at night.”

Sir Keir’s latest move follows a sped-up review into licensing rules in a bid to save Britain’s pubs. He said on Thursday: "Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities," adding that the Government was "backing them to thrive".

The Prime Minister continued: "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."

Peter Kyle, Business and Trade Secretary, added the review will help cut through the red tape that has held back the hospitality sector.

He added: "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."

However, pub and business owners claim the plans will do very little to offset the impact of the October Budget, which increased National Insurance contributions and minimum wage costs.

Sir Tim Martin, the owner of the popular JD Wetherspoons chain, said Labour was not “squaring up to the main issue”.

“As it stands today, most pubs are reducing their hours or closing completely,” he said.

A Government spokesman told The Telegraph: “Outdated licensing rules and red tape have been holding back pubs and bars for years. This is about giving landlords greater freedom and flexibility. None will be forced to open late.

“Our review has been welcomed by [the] industry and will boost customers, making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together and grow the economy.”