The current UK government, led by the Labour Party, may soon force pubs to close earlier in an effort to tackle harmful drinking and improve public health. The proposal seeks to reverse the more relaxed, “Continental café-style” drinking culture introduced by former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, which allowed pubs to apply for 24-hour licences.
Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has indicated that the government is reviewing pub and bar operating hours as part of a broader initiative to address rising hospital admissions and growing concerns over the nation’s health. This move is also part of an effort to combat anti-social behaviour linked to excessive drinking.
At the Labour Party conference, Mr. Gwynne explained that ministers are considering tightening pub hours in areas where excessive drinking poses significant health risks. He emphasised the importance of these discussions, noting that current policies may not be sufficient to curtail the negative impacts of overconsumption.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer, has reportedly warned ministers that if current health trends continue, 60 percent of the NHS budget could soon be spent on preventable diseases. Currently, 40 percent of the budget is allocated to such conditions, underscoring the urgency for reform.
The potential crackdown on pub hours is being considered alongside measures to combat obesity, including pushing the food industry to reduce fat, sugar, and salt in everyday foods. These actions are part of the government’s broader health agenda aimed at reducing the UK’s overall disease burden.
However, critics are pushing back. Chris Snowdon, head of lifestyle economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, criticised the potential rollback of 24-hour pub licences, a policy introduced under Sir Tony Blair’s government. “The last Labour government’s decision to relax licensing laws was a great success, but it seems the new government wants to hammer pubs any way it can,” Snowdon said
