'Taking licensing notices out of papers is wrong kind of reform'

The Government's plan to scrap the requirement for pubs and bars to publish alcohol licensing notices in local newspapers has sparked fresh debate over how much support Britain's locals are really getting.

- By Alex Nelson

Public notics remain one of the few consistent ways for residents to be informed about changes in their area.

The Government plans to scrap laws that require pubs to publish alcohol licensing notices in local newspapers, saying the change will 'cut red tape' and help pubs thrive. But the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) warns the move risks reducing transparency and community input. The group says pubs face far bigger threats from rising costs and taxation. Removing notices could also hit local publishers and weaken public awareness.

Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of CAMRA, says that while modernising regulations makes sense, this particular change won't solve the fundamental challenges facing the sector.

It comes as our title, along with our sister brands across the country, joins a national campaign to scrap the proposals and protect the public's right to know.

For decades, pubs seeking to apply for new licences or make changes to existing ones have been required to publish notices in their local paper.