Communities and town centres across the UK are expected to see an increase in cafes, bars, music venues, and outdoor dining, as the Government moves to simplify planning and licensing rules through a new National Licensing Policy Framework aimed at revitalising high streets.
The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues, and protect long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments ensuring the buzz of the high street can thrive without being silenced.
As part of this, the Government will introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle into national planning and licensing policy meaning developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they choose to build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.
New dedicated ‘hospitality zones’, will also be introduced where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked helping to bring vibrancy and footfall back to the high street.
The new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, removing the patchwork of local rules that currently delay or deter small businesses from opening. This means that entrepreneurs looking to turn empty shops into cafes, bars or music venues will face fewer forms, faster decisions, and lower costs.
This transformation is already underway through the High Street Rental Auction Scheme.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, said: “Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, commented: “We strongly welcome these proposals to cut red tape and make it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy. Measures like streamlined licensing, hospitality zones, and protections for existing venues are positive steps which we have been pushing for some time.”
Craig Beaumont, executive director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “With the Women’s Euros final bringing communities together to watch and enjoy in our pubs, bars, cafes and community venues, this move is a welcome win for small firms.”
