I’m sure Sun readers will agree, British pubs are one of this country’s proudest institutions.
They are the jewel in the crown of our high streets and the centre of the communities in our villages, towns and cities.
And our hospitality sector as a whole – the bars, clubs and restaurants too – is something we should be proud of, worth £62 billion and employing over 3 million people.
But we know the difficulties that landlords and restaurant owners have faced.
A stagnating economy, which was then hit with a global pandemic that kept everyone inside and pub doors shut.
Then Putin’s invasion of Ukraine that sent energy bills soaring.
To make matters worse, previous governments have slowly but surely let a stranglehold of red tape choke hospitality businesses.
Businesses have long called for an overhaul of the current licensing system.
They say it lacks proportionality, consistency, and transparency – creating barriers for them to grow and invest.
So it’s time we restore some common sense to licensing applications.
It shouldn’t be the case that a disgruntled resident can stop the thriving nightlife of brilliant areas such as Soho in London, the Northern Quarter in Manchester, and Call Lane in Leeds.
That’s why we’re launching a pilot in London with the Mayor Sadiq Khan, which will mean there’s greater options for outside dining and later opening hours in pubs and bars.
If it works, we’ll roll it out to mayors across the country, boosting trade and local economies in all our regions.
We’re doing this hand in hand with business, who have been crying out for change, because they know best how to ensure the conditions that will help the hospitality sector thrive.
And we’re filling job vacancies with a new £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme including hospitality training in prisons, so prisoners can turn their backs on crime, get a job on release, and we can keep our streets safer.
In uncertain times, we’re helping our great British businesses to be the best, so they can grow stronger and boost our economy for the benefit of everyone in the UK.
Britain under this government is open for businesses. With our Plan for Change we’re going further and faster for growth.
That means less burdensome red tape, more partnership with industry, more jobs and more money in working people’s pockets.
