Pubs and Clubs Could Stay Open Until Early Hours to Boost UK

Published: 09 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Pubs, clubs, and restaurants across England and Wales could soon be allowed to stay open into the early hours as part of Labour’s ambitious drive to stimulate economic growth, a move that has drawn both support and sharp criticism. Ministers are advocating for extended alcohol licensing hours as a means to boost “the British night out” and provide the hospitality sector with the flexibility to adapt to changing consumer trends.

The proposals have been backed by leaders of the alcohol and hospitality industries and received approval from the Treasury, with Labour leader Keir Starmer expected to publicly support the initiative. Proponents argue that modernising the licensing system will enhance economic performance and reinvigorate the UK’s nighttime economy, helping pubs, restaurants, bars, and hotels attract more customers and generate additional revenue.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, described the proposals as “a new and improved licensing system that is fit for the 21st century” and said it would provide a significant boost to the hospitality sector. Nick Mackenzie, chief executive of Greene King, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how overly restrictive legislation has historically limited premises’ ability to respond to changing circumstances and meet customer demand.

However, the proposals have prompted serious concern among health experts, local authorities, and law enforcement. Critics warn that the liberalisation of the alcohol licensing regime could erode councils’ long-standing authority to set opening hours, grant the alcohol industry unprecedented influence, and restrict the ability of residents to object to late-night operations in their communities.

Dr Katherine Severi, chief executive of the Institute of Alcohol Studies thinktank, called the reforms “a charter for chaos” that risks increasing drink-related aggression, violence against women, and alcohol-related deaths. She emphasised that the measures could lead to an unrestricted expansion in alcohol availability, potentially exacerbating public health challenges that the UK has struggled to manage.

Local authorities and police and crime commissioners have raised concerns that extended licensing hours will create more noise, nuisance, and antisocial behaviour, particularly in residential areas near licensed premises. Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, warned that allowing alcohol sales later into the evening and early hours would inevitably result in increased crime, domestic violence, and higher demands on police and emergency services. He emphasised that public safety must remain a priority and criticised the proposals as largely an alcohol industry wish-list rather than a genuine public policy measure.

The proposed reforms centre on significant changes to the Licensing Act 2003, which currently allows local councils to grant licences to around 224,000 establishments, including pubs, clubs, restaurants, and supermarkets, to sell alcohol within regulated hours. Councils’ decisions are traditionally guided by four “licensing objectives”: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.

Under the new proposals, a fifth objective would be introduced: promoting economic growth. Councils would be required to consider this factor when deciding on new licences or applications for extended hours. Critics argue that this would compromise the integrity of licensing decisions and demonstrate excessive government alignment with the alcohol industry. Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance, said: “Adding a new objective focused on economic growth is completely ludicrous and undermines the purpose of licensing. Licensing exists to protect people, not business profits.”

The taskforce behind the proposals includes representatives from the alcohol and hospitality industries, the Night Time Industries Association, and the live music sector, as well as members from the National Police Chiefs Council and the Greater London Authority. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, has been granted powers to overrule licensing decisions by the capital’s 32 councils if he believes it will enhance the city’s night-time economy and tourist appeal.

Health experts caution that deregulating alcohol sales could exacerbate existing public health crises. Surveys and studies have linked easy access to alcohol with increases in alcohol-related illness, hospital admissions, and violent crime. The Home Office has found that alcohol is a contributing factor in approximately half of all intimate partner murders in the UK. With alcohol-related deaths currently at record highs, public health advocates argue that extending opening hours could be both dangerous and counterproductive.

Dr Severi highlighted concerns that off-licences, corner shops, and supermarkets, which already account for 75% of all alcohol sales, would benefit disproportionately from relaxed regulations. “Using licensing to deregulate alcohol sales in the name of business growth is misguided and irresponsible,” she said, noting that stronger protections are needed to safeguard public health and reduce preventable disease.

The plans would also limit local councils’ authority by creating a national licensing policy framework, enhancing the role of unelected licensing officers and diminishing the influence of elected representatives. James Nicholls, an expert in alcohol policy at Stirling University, warned that this would make it harder for residents to oppose applications for new premises or extended opening hours, undermining community input and accountability.

Prof Niamh Fitzgerald added that the proposals directly conflict with the goal of safer streets and reducing violence, particularly against women. She emphasised the potential social cost, noting the strain on law enforcement, emergency services, and hospitals resulting from alcohol-related incidents.

In response, a government spokesperson said: “We are looking to rebalance the licensing system, to one which both protects local communities and gives businesses the flexibility they need to invest and adapt to changing consumer trends.” The spokesperson insisted that the reforms aim to create a fairer, more modern system while ensuring public safety is maintained.

The debate reflects broader tensions in the UK between supporting economic growth, particularly in hospitality, and safeguarding public health and community welfare. Proponents argue that modernising licensing laws is essential for economic recovery and for keeping the hospitality sector competitive, while opponents warn of the human cost associated with increased alcohol availability.

The government has acknowledged that careful monitoring and evaluation of the reforms will be needed to ensure that extended hours do not lead to increased alcohol-related harms. As the proposals advance, the balance between economic interests and public safety is likely to remain a contentious issue, with local authorities, health experts, and the public closely scrutinising the potential impact on communities nationwide.

Whether these reforms will result in a revitalised night-time economy or a surge in alcohol-related incidents remains to be seen, but the debate underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing business interests with public health and community safety in modern UK policy-making.