The new National Licensing Policy Framework

On 26 November 2025 the Home Office and Department for Business and Trade published the National Licensing Policy Framework. The document is 13 pages and is worth reading to get an understanding of the general direction the Government is trying to head in to help the industry. The Framework applies exclusively to on-trade premises, that is, premises authorised under the Licensing Act 2003 for on-sales of alcohol, regulated entertainment or late-night refreshment.

The Framework is designed to be a tool for enabling innovation and investment, not just managing risk, with the government’s target to reduce administrative costs of regulatory burdens by 25%. It is considering making growth of the hospitality sector a statutory licensing objective, although no real detail is given as to what this would mean.

Strategic steer

The Framework provides a strategic steer for licensing authorities, central government and the industry to work together in support of the following key areas:

• Business resilience and growth – licensing should be proportionate, evidence-based and responsive, giving responsible operators the freedom and flexibility to meet changing consumer expectations, diversify their offer, and invest in innovation
• Place-making and regeneration – licensing and planning policy should work in harmony to support vibrant, mixed-use areas, revitalise high streets, and unlock investment in the night-time economy. Licensing should be a tool for shaping successful places, not just managing risks
• Cultural and community life – licensing should help facilitate live music, theatre, dancing and other forms of entertainment that enrich local identity and bring people together — whether in rural villages or city centres
• Consumer choice and tourism – licensing should support a diverse range of venues and experiences that reflect the UK’s rich hospitality and leisure offer and meet the needs of both domestic and international visitors

Further information is set out in relation to the above points, that are of real interest:

Agent of Change: The Framework confirms that the Agent of Change principle should be applied, ensuring new developments near existing licensed premises take responsibility for mitigating impacts such as noise, rather than placing undue burdens on established venues. Authorities are encouraged to embed this principle in local licensing guidance and collaborate with planning colleagues to protect the viability of pubs, music venues, cultural spaces and events.

Licences granted under terms sought: Premises should be granted licences under the terms sought, with the existence of guideline hours alone not grounds to refuse. This would be a major change for many licensing authorities who seek to rely on ‘Core Hours’.

Licensing decisions: should be based on clear, relevant evidence and proportionate to the risks identified. This includes both specific risks (for example, noise complaints, crime hotspots) and broader contextual risks, such as the known prevalence of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the night-time economy. This indeed is not something new, but again can be seen as a welcome reminder to Licensing Committees.

CIAs: Where Cumulative Impact Assessment Policies are used, these should be evidenced based, not blanket bans. This again, would be a major change for many licensing authorities, if adopted.

Legal status of the Framework

The framework is non-statutory guidance designed to support consistent, lawful and proportionate licensing. Licensing authorities must have regard to the Secretary of State’s Guidance under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and to their Statements of Licensing Policy. The framework does not displace those duties, create new legal obligations, or restrict authorities’ discretion to determine each application on its merits. 

Conclusion

Many of the principles set out in the Framework, should really be a reminder to licensing authorities, as many points made are not new. However, the Framework will add extra weight to apply pressure to licensing authorities to adopt a pro-industry approach. The Framework should be seen as a positive step taken by the Government for the industry.

To see the full document, please follow this link.

Chris Rees-Gay is a partner at Woods Whur.