Licensing Hours Extensions Bill

A Bill to amend the Licensing Act 2003 so that licensing hours Orders can be made by negative resolution statutory instrument.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Emma LewellLabour (Co-op)

Last Updated

29 May 2024

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill would let licensing hours orders be made using a negative resolution statutory instrument under the Licensing Act 2003. In practice, this gives government departments flexibility to adjust opening times for venues selling alcohol, while still allowing Parliament to scrutinise changes by able to block them if it objects within the usual time frame.

Key Points

Amends the Licensing Act 2003 to allow licensing hours orders to be made by negative resolution statutory instrument.
Introduces a delegated power to change licensing hours without full primary legislation, subject to parliamentary scrutiny.
Parliament can still block a change by objecting to the negative resolution within the statutory period, but does not require an affirmative vote to make the change.
Bill is at 1st reading in the Lords; originates in the Commons and is sponsored by Emma Lewell (Labour Co‑op).
ACCOMPANYING documents include Explanatory Notes, a Delegated Powers Memorandum, and a Select Committee report to explain powers and implications.

Progress

The bill is currently at its first reading in the Lords. It originated in the Commons and will move through the Lords’ usual stages and then back to the Commons for any amendments before proceeding toward Royal Assent.

Who is affected?

Pubs, bars, restaurants, clubs and other venues that hold alcohol licencesLocal licensing authorities and council licensing officersHospitality sector employees and employersLocal residents and neighbourhoods affected by licensing hoursEvent organisers and businesses reliant on flexible opening hours

Generated 21 February 2026