Overview

This bill proposes to amend the Licensing Act 2003, simplifying the process for extending licensing hours in England and Wales. It aims to achieve this by allowing such extensions to be approved through a less complex parliamentary procedure.

Description

The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill seeks to modify the existing procedure for making licensing hours orders under the Licensing Act 2003. Currently, a more complex process is required. This bill removes subsections and paragraphs within Section 197 of the Act relating to the creation of licensing hours orders. The changes will allow the orders to be made using a “negative resolution statutory instrument.” This means that the order will automatically come into effect unless Parliament specifically votes against it within a certain timeframe. This streamlines the approval process.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The primary effect will be procedural, simplifying the administrative process for implementing licensing hours extensions. No specific figures on cost savings or increases are provided.

Groups Affected

The bill will primarily affect:

• Businesses with licenses subject to the Act: This could potentially lead to easier extensions of operating hours, impacting pubs, bars, restaurants, and other licensed premises.
• Local authorities: The changes may alter their administrative processes for dealing with licensing applications.
• Parliament: The new procedure may reduce the workload for MPs in reviewing licensing applications, although they will retain a mechanism for challenging extensions.

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