A bitter blow for local papers and those they serve

FROM the pandemic lockdowns to business rates hikes and changing consumer behaviours — pubs and licensed premises have been hit hard in recent years. I’ve been a firsthand witness to the sad decline or closure of far too many. So I’m genuinely thrilled that the Government has recognised the need for action to support these institutions.

- Owen Meredith

IT ALL ADS UP: The press and their readers will lose out without licensing notices

Whether it’s catching up with friends over a pint, watching the highs and lows of the nation’s sports teams or enjoying a Sunday roast after a busy week — we all know just how vital these establishments are to the soul of our communities.

But like pubs, local newspapers are facing an uphill battle to survive and continue serving their communities — and the two go hand-in-hand.

Last week Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Business Secretary Peter Kyle launched the Government's consultation on reforming the licensing regime. It contains some very sensible proposals to support the hospitality sector. But the suggestion to remove the statutory requirement for licensing application notices to appear in local papers is not one of them.