Amanda Martin has welcomed Labour’s new plans to slash red tape for businesses across the UK, with the launch of a new government-backed business group to rapidly improve the application of licensing laws for the hospitality sector.
As part of a package of measures, Labour is also announcing £1.5 million to help the hospitality sector address skills shortages. This includes the delivery of a hospitality training facilities in prisons to help provide prisons leaver with a fresh start and opportunities after release.
The hospitality industry currently generates £ 203,064,463 for Portsmouth North supporting 3,659 in the area.
However, under the Tories the hospitality industry has been hamstrung be burdensome red tape and inconsistent licensing laws. Between 2020 and 2023, nearly a third of the UK’s nighttime economy vanished, with grassroots music venues hit particularly hard.
Labour’s business group includes the CEO of Greene King Pubs and the Night Time Industries association, and will support the government as it prepares its new industrial strategy.The changes, which will be developed in consultation with the police, could mean more alfresco dining spots, as well as later opening hours for pubs and clubs.
Alongside these measures, A new pilot scheme will be trialled in London to allow the Mayor to “call in” licensing applications in areas vital to the nighttime economy. If successful, this approach could be rolled out to other Mayors across England.
Amanda Martin MP said:
“Labour is backing Portsmouth’s pubs and clubs, and prioritising economic growth to boost living standards and back our world-leading hospitality sector. Portsmouth already has a fantastic array of local cafes and pubs, but these plans will allow local businesses to grow and thrive by listening to businesses who know what’s needed.”
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, said:
“We promised to clear the way to economic growth in our Plan for Change and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re already reforming planning to back the builders, not the blockers. Now we want to do the same for the nighttime economy which has been neglected for so long.
“Our pubs, restaurants, and live music venues are the beating heart of our cultural life, so it is vital they are given every chance to survive and thrive.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
“British businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. We want them to Our Plan for Change will make sure they have the conditions to grow – not be tied down by unnecessarily burdensome red tape.
“We’ve heard industry concerns and we’re partnering with businesses to understand what changes need to be made, because a thriving nighttime economy is good for local economies, good for growth, and good for getting more money in people’s pockets.”
