Publicans have responded with fury to government claims that later opening hours will save pubs and boost economic growth.
The government has announced a review of licensing laws with the stated aim of extending opening hours for pubs, clubs, and restaurants in England and Wales (Scotland would be unaffected).
The reported goal is to boost the night-time economy and support the struggling hospitality sector, but it will do neither of these things, says the Campaign for Pubs. It says it is “yet another example of how little the current government understands (or it seems cares about) pubs and stopping them closing.
Later opening hours is not something that publicans have asked for, nor is it something that will make any difference to getting pubs through the cost of living crisis.
“Longer opening hours won’t keep pubs open,” said Dawn Hopkins, vice-chair of the Campaign for Pubs and licensee at The Rose Pub and Deli, in Norwich. “What we need is real support — lower VAT, help with energy bills, and fairer business rates. Around one pub a day is closing, taking staff, small breweries, and local suppliers down with it.
“Instead of meaningless measures creating absurd headlines, the Government needs to wake up to the situation pubs are in and reduce the cost burden on pubs, through a VAT cut, business rates reform and action to bring down energy costs for small businesses.
“Yet no-one ever asks the people actually running pubs — you’d think listening to publicans might be the intelligent place to start.”
