Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, with reference to the press release entitled Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars, published on 26 July 2025, who will decide (a) where the new dedicated hospitality zones will be introduced and (b) what their boundaries will be; and what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of these proposals on the (i) licensing hours and (ii) wider operation of (A) new and (B) existing (1) pubs, (2) clubs and (3) restaurants that are not in designated hospitality zones.

The Government wants to ensure we have a licensing system that not only addresses crime and protects communities but supports businesses and promotes growth. Councils already use designated zones to preserve hospitality, leisure, and cultural areas, and we are keen to work collaboratively to understand how these approaches are working and explore whether Councils have the tools they need to create and maintain designated zones effectively. Businesses within and outside designated zones will benefit from a more balanced licensing regime. We will issue a Call for Evidence to gather insights and inform policy discussions shortly.