Following the release of the government’s licensing policy revamp and reduction of ‘tax burden’ for hospitality and leisure, Lyle Bignon (pic), the NTE Ambassador for Birmingham (NTIA), said: “We are pleased the government has finally heeded calls for action on hospitality and the Night Time Economy (NTE).

“The introduction of the National Licensing Policy Framework is long overdue, and subsequently most welcome, along with a reported commitment to Autumn Budget tax cuts for hospitality and leisure. The UK's Out of Home Leisure Economy (OHLE) offer must be comparable with our European counterparts if we are to maintain our status in the global visitor economy.

“The suggestion that al fresco licences and hospitality zone creation will be made easier by the slashing of red tape comes at a critical time for businesses. We stand ready to work with Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Police, licensing industry bodies, and licensees to implement all positive changes.

“The government must not, however, lose sight of the need to support our rural or out-of-city community businesses. Recent NIC and business rate rises, along with some of the highest VAT rates in Europe, have created a ‘triple threat’ of unbearable costs for small businesses in recent months.

“As a result, we have seen an increase in the closure and permanent loss of entertainment, hospitality, live music and NTE businesses throughout the supply chain. Birmingham alone has lost over 20 independent venues, restaurants, pubs, and bars including Bodega, The Gunmaker’s Arms, Ikigai, Poli, The Post Office Vaults, Tilt, Wildcat, and Zumhof, in the last 12 months.

“Whilst details around proposed tax cuts are yet to be shared by Treasury, the government has indicated it has - albeit belatedly - heard pleas for fiscal and policy intervention from the NTIA and other industry bodies. We now look to local, regional and national government to fast-track regulatory and taxation overhauls.

“This is critical if our SMEs are to get back on track following an exceptionally challenging period of hardship for hospitality and NTE across the UK.”