Later opening hours would not offset rise in costs, say pub landlords

Plans to make it easier for pubs to open until the small hours will not offset the “toxic” combination of high costs and hard-up drinkers staying at home, industry figures have predicted, as they called for more support.

- Rob Davies

The warning comes in response to proposals to loosen licensing laws affecting pubs in England and Wales in order to boost “the British night out” and help the hospitality sector.

The shakeup, revealed by the Guardian, is intended to cut “red tape” that makes it difficult and costly for pubs to obtain licences to offer more services, including late hours, outdoor food service and live music.