Overview

This bill proposes to amend the Licensing Act 2003, simplifying the process for extending licensing hours for businesses such as pubs and clubs in England and Wales. It aims to make the process of making licensing hour orders quicker and more efficient.

Description

The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill modifies the Licensing Act 2003. Specifically, it removes the requirement for affirmative parliamentary resolution when making licensing hours orders. This means such orders can be made using a simpler "negative resolution" statutory instrument process. This change streamlines the process, allowing for faster implementation of changes to licensing hours.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and takes effect upon passage. The bill is referenced as the Licensing Hours Extensions Act 2025.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to significantly impact government spending. The changes relate to procedural simplification and should reduce administrative burdens rather than increasing costs.

Groups Affected

The groups most significantly affected are:

• Businesses with licenses selling alcohol: This bill could make it easier and faster to extend their operating hours, potentially increasing their revenue.
• Local authorities: They will experience a streamlined process for managing licensing hours.
• Residents and community groups: This bill might affect them indirectly; easier extensions could lead to more noise or disturbances from establishments with extended hours, or conversely, easier access to establishments that extend hours.

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