Act would strip communities of their right to know about major changes

A TRIP to the pub is a huge part of English life and here in Cambridgeshire we have some fantastic venues that we should fight to keep open.

- By KATRINA CHILVER

Whether it is the place you go for a regular catch up with your friends, your weekly Sunday roast or an occasional celebration, keeping them alive is crucial.

As part of its review of the Licensing Act 2003, which applies to England and Wales, the Government's Licensing Taskforce has come up with proposals to support the hospitality sector, which is something I very much welcome.

However, one part of these proposals could impact local newspapers and make the licensing process less publicly accessible.

Currently, licensing laws mean licensing applications must be published in local newspapers.

This means that plans to open a new pub or nightclub, or for an existing venue to change its opening hours, are published which not only supports newspapers, but also ensures these are accessible, especially to those who cannot, or prefer not to, use digital technology.