Government plans to axe public notices ‘devastating’ for local news, editors say

Government proposals to axe rules that force pubs to share their licence bids in local newspapers are “devastating” and will “disenfranchise communities,” editors have warned.

Ministers are looking at removing the requirement for printed statutory notices as part of a wider drive to slash “red tape” and boost the night-time economy.

But industry leaders including the News Media Association and the Society of Editors have condemned the recommendations, arguing the advertisements help ensure transparency over decisions on hospitality venues.

Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has launched a fast-track review of licensing rules aimed at eliminating what ministers describe as “unnecessary barriers”.

Pubs and bars across England and Wales could stay open for longer under the proposed reforms which critics argue could lead to more disorderly behaviour.

The plans, which could also make it easier for venues to serve food outside and host more live music, are being considered in a four-week call for evidence.

Among the proposals is a recommendation to scrap hard-copy public notices for alcohol licences, which requires businesses to announce new applications or major changes to existing licences in a local paper.

The Government says it “recognises that local journalism is vital” in “supporting accountability” but that local printed newspaper readership has “steadily declined” and “some applicants report significant and varying costs” for advertising.

Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors, said the plans were “devastating” and “fail to recognise the essential role such notices play in keeping communities informed”.

“Not only will the plans disenfranchise communities, but they will remove a vital revenue stream from the local and regional news industry at a time when the value of accurate and verifiable news and information has never been more important,” she said.

“The Prime Minister has said that the local news industry is the ‘lifeblood of our democracy’ but this decision threatens not only the ability of the public to engage with the democratic process, but the sustainability of the local news industry when it is needed more than ever.”

NMA chief executive Owen Meredith urged Business Secretary Peter Kyle to “change course” and commit to keeping the rules in place.

“Pubs and local papers go hand in hand. They are community hubs, rooted in place, fostering connection, and acting as a glue that binds neighbourhoods together,” he said.

“Yet the Government’s highly-misguided proposals for removing alcohol licensing notices from local papers – shrouding alcohol licensing applications in secrecy – will absolutely do nothing to help pubs and hospitality venues.

“Instead, local community cohesion will be irreparably damaged by making decisions around hospitality venues less transparent, ultimately harming both pubs and local papers.”

The Tories have previously warned that axing the notices could threaten the future of local democracy.

Shadow communities secretary James Cleverly told the PA news agency earlier this year that the proposals had been made “without any consideration on the effect on local newspapers, or how to best ensure that the public know about matters which affect their lives”.

He said: “Labour are tying them in red tape and higher taxes. Their proposed changes to licensing rules could have the perverse effect of making it harder for many pubs and clubs to operate.”

A Government spokesperson said: “These changes are about making it easier for pubs and restaurants to change their licensing conditions without unnecessary red tape.

“Making it less burdensome for companies to advertise is a key part of this.

“We recognise that businesses having to publish notices in physical local newspapers is outdated and we will consider options shortly so that local people can be kept better informed.”