The UK Government has announced plans to slash red tape, aiming to breathe new life into high streets across the country by making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues. A new National Licensing Policy Framework will be introduced to modernise outdated planning and licensing rules, reducing the cost, complexity, and time involved for businesses.

These reforms will facilitate the conversion of disused shops into vibrant hospitality venues and protect long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments. A key element of this is the introduction of the 'Agent of Change' principle into national planning and licensing policy. This means developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they choose to build near existing noise-generating venues.

The Government also plans to introduce dedicated 'hospitality zones' where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties, and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked, aiming to boost vibrancy and footfall in town centres. The new framework will streamline and standardise the planning and licensing process, moving away from fragmented local rules that can currently deter small businesses.

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This initiative is already supported by schemes like the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which allows councils to auction leases for properties vacant for over a year, helping to bring empty shops back into use. The plans come ahead of the Government's Small Business Plan, which will detail further steps to support the UK's 5.5 million SMEs.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: "This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee. 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."

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: "For too long, they've been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We're binning them – to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round."

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, welcomed the move as a "welcome win for small firms," enabling them to serve more customers outdoors. The plans are subject to an initial Call for Evidence and will be delivered as soon as possible, as part of the Government's commitment to reduce the administrative costs of regulation by at least 25%.