Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the press release, "Cheers! Football fans to raise a glass for the World Cup", published 8 June 2026, how the proposed changes to the duration to a pavement licence will change from the current two year period; what role will councils play in determining the specific length under the new regime; and what consideration has been given to making the duration of unlimited length.

The government is committed to making it easier for hospitality businesses to make use of outdoor space by extending the current maximum duration of pavement licences beyond the current standard two-year period, and consulting on the case for a minimum term length.

The details of these reforms will be developed in collaboration with local government and industry and further detail will be set out in due course.

Local licensing authorities are often best placed to make licensing decisions based on their local knowledge and we encourage local authorities to set them appropriately for their area. They will continue to play a central role in the pavement licensing system, including determining the duration of individual licences.