Reforms to the licensing system could mean that alcohol licences are no longer published in local newspapers and their websites.
If enacted, the proposal would mean that plans to open a new pub or nightclub, or for an existing venue to change its opening hours, would no longer be publicised within local communities.
Meanwhile, another bill could remove the requirement for the publication of licences highlighting changes to local authority governance.
This would strip communities of the right to know about sweeping changes to local councils – just as the government embarks upon the most dramatic reform of local government in 50 years.
And these issues are likely to come up at a Westminster Hall debate this tomorrow (December 3) morning, which will be available to view on Parliament Live.
The debate on the future of local media will start at 9.30am after being called by Peter Fortune, MP for Bromley and Biggin Hill. It will focus on both the benefits of local newspapers and other local media to the areas they serve, as well as the threats to the continued existence of local media, such as the proposals to axe public notices.
Mr Fortune is encouraging as many MPs as possible to attend the debate and champion the contribution that their local papers and wider local media make to their communities.
He said: “I am delighted to have secured this debate in Parliament. Having worked in local newspapers before entering politics, I know only two well the huge impact local newspapers have on the communities they serve.
“This topic has not been debated in Parliament for some years, and the suggestion of axing public notices makes clear the struggles local media face in the future.
“This is a timely opportunity to demonstrate to the Government why local media is so important and the cross-party support for continued support of the industry.”
Readers are encouraged to contact their local MP to request they attend the debate to stand up for local democracy.
News Media Association chairman Danny Cammiade said: “Local news media in print and digital provide a highly trusted and independent environment for public notices to appear in, with local journalists often reporting on the content of the notices.
“Developed with funding and expertise from Google, the industry’s Public Notice Portal has increased the reach of public notices online, with the print requirement remaining essential for ensuring those who cannot, or prefer not to, use digital technology can access the notices.
“Removing alcohol licensing notices from local papers would undermine this work and leave local communities shrouded in secrecy. Ministers must change course and abandon this misguided plan.”
NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “Pubs and local papers go hand in hand. They are community hubs, rooted in place, fostering connection, and acting as a glue that binds neighbourhoods together.
“Yet the government’s misguided proposals for secret alcohol licensing notices would damage local community cohesion by making decisions around hospitality venues less transparent, ultimately harming both pubs and local papers.”
