Plans to axe public notices 'devastating' for local news

GOVERNMENT proposals to axe rules that force pubs to share their licence bids in local newspapers are "devastating" and will "disenfranchise communities," editors have warned.

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Ministers are looking at removing the requirement for printed statutory notices as part of a wider drive to slash "red tape" and boost the nighttime economy.

But industry leaders including the News Media Association (NMA) and the Society of Editors have condemned the recommendations, arguing the hard-copy advertisements help ensure transparency over decisions on hospitality venues.

Sir Keir Starmer's Government has launched a fast-track review of licensing rules aimed at eliminating what ministers describe as "unnecessary barriers".