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Licensing Hours Extensions Bill

My Lords, I thank all noble Lords who have made valuable contributions to this Private Member’s Bill as it has made its way through your Lordships’ House. When in government, we did indeed support a similar version of the Bill as proposed by Emma Lewell from the other place, which sadly failed to pass before the general election. His Majesty’s loyal Opposition are therefore pleased to welcome the measures in the Bill as put forward by the noble Lord, Lord Watson. We thank him for his work on the Bill, in addition to his efforts to promote all sectors of the UK music industry as chair of UK Music.

At Second Reading, many noble Lords shared their extensive knowledge of the hospitality sector and the meaningful, positive impact that this legislation will have. Ensuring that pubs, bars and other licensed venues can adapt during national celebrations such as royal events, major sporting victories or cultural milestones is beneficial to both businesses and communities, allowing everyone to celebrate together and contributing in some part to economic growth. Replacing an affirmative resolution with a negative resolution statutory instrument provides a faster and simpler mechanism while at the same time retaining the option for consultation and maintaining the relevant safeguards. The net result should be that everyone benefits.