Major change planned for pub and bars with 'open to early hours' move from government

Sir Keir Starmer is fronting a fast-track bid to cut “red tape” thought to be making it hard for pubs to host live music and food pop-ups.

And pubs, clubs and restaurants will be able to open into the early hours as part of Labour’s drive for economic growth, a move which critics say will lead to more drunken disorder.

Ministers are pushing ahead with plans to allow premises that sell alcohol to extend their opening hours in order to boost “the British night out” and help the hospitality sector.

The Prime Minister said pubs are “the beating heart” of communities in the UK, after the Government launched a four-week “blitz” survey of landlords, customers and neighbours.

It is understood the exercise could lead to a bonfire of old licensing rules, amid fears some historic venues have shut