Hospitality industry welcomes new licensing regulations

The UK government has announced new licensing regulations to further support the hospitality sector as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among the new regulations, which apply to England and Wales, are an extension of the automatic off licence flexibility to the end of September 2022 and an increase of annual Temporary Event Notice allowance from 15 to 20 for 2022 and 2023.

The renewed support has been warmly welcomed by Kate Nicholls, the chief executive officer of UKHospitality (UKH).

In response to the new regulations, Nicholls said: “These amended regulations are positive news for businesses that have been hard hit over the course of the pandemic. UKHospitality has pushed hard for these extensions so we are grateful that the Home Office has listened and acted.

“All and any support for the sector will be vital on the long road to recovery and these measures mean businesses can continue to be flexible with how they operate and utilise additional opportunities of generating valuable revenue.”

She added: “Temporary Event Notices are particularly helpful for venues that want to hold one-off events or celebrations, so boosting the number permitted over the next two years is very welcome and increases the number of money-making opportunities.”