Landlords not confident over Labour’s plans to extend opening hours

'ASTRONOMICAL' OPERATING COSTS CITED AS REASON PUBS ARE CLOSING DOWN

- BY LAYCIE BECK [e-mail]

THE Government has proposed a plan to chance licensing rules so that pubs can have longer opening hours in a bid to “boost footfall”.

However, businesses feel increased hours won't make a difference and the Government should instead focus on things like reducing business rates, VAT and National Insurance.

The Government claims the potential changes for the industry would create a “modern, proportionate, and enabling system that supports economic growth, revitalises high streets and fosters vibrant communities”.

It states the plans would make it easier for venues to host more live music, serve food outside and “remove unnecessary barriers”.

However, many Lincolnshire pubs do not feel this is the best option and that there are more effective ways the Government could offer support to businesses.

Georgie Renshaw co-runs The Tempest Arms at Coleby, which was voted by Lincolnshire Live readers as having the best beer garden in the county.