This week Kier Stamer announced a review into licensing on Public Houses. These changes would bring about the end of publishing license requests in local newspapers. It is a bodged up attempt to slash red tape, but actually cuts out locals from the Conversation.
Cllr Seb James, a Conservative county councillor for Bowbrook and deputy chairman of Worcester Conservative Association, said: "This is another example of the government once again not understanding communities. This latest consultation comes off the back of the save the local campaign, championed by the Conservatives. A pub a day closes under this Labour government.
"Instead of cutting tax; instead of promoting the opportunity to become landlords, this government has decided to potentially scrap public displays of license requests.
"To me, this is a step too far, cutting out the community voice to changes to their area. Public notices are often the first way residents find out about changes and requests, it is that moment that a business could get real buy in. I worry that this is also an attack on local press, who have long since been a one stop shop for local happenings."
