MPs back plans to make it easier for hospitality to extend opening hours for major events

MPs have backed plans to make it easier for the government to grant hospitality venues extra time to open during major national events such as football tournaments.

The Licensing House Extensions Bill aims to simplify the “overly bureaucratic” process of extending licensing hours.

It will allow the government to approve changes at times of national significance while parliament isn’t sitting, something it is currently unable to do.

The bill has had cross-party support from MPs and reached its final stage in the House of Commons today (4 July).

It comes after England reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. The game kicked off at 11am on a Sunday, but many pubs were unable to apply for an extension to their opening hours in time.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said current licensing rules can “stifle opportunities” for the sector by limiting its ability to respond to changing circumstances and customer demand.

The bill was led through the commons by Andrew Ranger MP. Responding in the Commons, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra MP said the government was backing the legislation to make it easier for pubs to choose to stay open longer during major national events.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer Association, said: “This bill has been long overdue and we’re delighted Andrew Ranger MP, along with the government, has acted to boost growth and make it easier for pubs to do what they do best - being at the heart of moments of national significance.

"We will continue to work with Government so that this sector can truly fulfil its potential."

The bill will now be passed to the House of Lords to be scrutinised and voted on.

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