Licensing reforms and impact on theatres

Theatres Trust has responded to the government’s consultation on establishing a National Licensing Policy Framework, which could have a number of benefits for theatres.

The government is consulting on the Licensing Taskforce’s recommendation to establish a National Licensing Policy Framework, which aims to create a more consistent and transparent licencing system, while still preserving local discretion.

It would align licensing with broader government goals — economic growth, cultural development and public safety — without requiring primary legislation. Delivered via licensing circulars, it would reduce regulatory burdens, improve consistency, and support fairer decision-making.

We were pleased that theatres are specifically mentioned within the survey. An earlier government announcement had solely focused on bars and music venues, so it is good that following our conversations with government officials that the potential benefits to theatres have also been recognised.

In our consultation response, we welcomed the proposals that will support theatres:

• Agent of Change
• ‘Amnesty’ on outdated conditions
• Pavement licences
• Temporary Event Notices

Key points in Theatres Trust’s response

We welcomed the overarching objective of a consistent, transparent licensing system, which would provide greater clarity and consistency and reduce uncertainty for applicants, thereby supporting economic and cultural growth. This would be of benefit to theatres looking to optimise and expand their offers and activate their buildings outside of typical performance times.

We supported an ‘amnesty’ on licensing conditions, which would provide an opportunity for theatres and other venues to remove and vary old and unreasonable licensing conditions such as not being permitted to open bars after shows or serve non-ticketholders. Removing these restrictions would support venue to provide more flexible services, provide new income streams and contribute to making town centres more vibrant.

We also backed the granting of permanent or long-term pavement licences, which would be less burdensome than the current requirement for frequent renewals. We know several theatres including St George’s Hall in Blackburn, the Dome in Brighton, Chelmsford Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London benefitted from this when a light touch process was temporarily introduced in 2020.

We agreed that the licensing regime should give greater weight to the ‘Agent of Change’ (AOC) principle. AOC places the responsibility for mitigating impacts from existing noise-generating activities on any new development. This is already used effectively within the planning system, which has prevented issues arising for theatres, but including it in licensing policy would provide additional protection for venues.

We will provide an update when further information is available. In the meantime, if your theatre has any licensing issues, please do get in touch.