The UK Government has been urged to carefully consider the impact of proposed licensing reforms on local newspapers, with concerns that communities could be left in the dark over changes to pubs, bars, and night-time venues.

David Chadwick, MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, warned that removing the statutory requirement for alcohol licensing notices to appear in local newspapers could undermine public awareness and accountability.

"The Government must carefully consider the impacts of these reforms on local printed press and ensure the sector is properly supported, so our communities continue to benefit from trusted local journalism," he said.

"The funding crisis for local media has been compounded by the Government’s decision to remove the necessity for local authorities to publish notices in local newspapers.

"We believe local residents must be kept informed about planning changes that affect them, and that the local press plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability."

The warning comes after a public consultation was launched last week on the Government’s plans to reform licensing rules. One of the proposals would remove the requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be advertised in local papers, potentially leaving residents unaware of applications to open new pubs or nightclubs, or for existing venues to extend opening hours.

The reforms are part of a four-week “Call for Evidence” launched by the Government to identify and remove "outdated" rules for pubs and bars across England and Wales. Officials say the changes aim to cut red tape, encourage more community events, and boost high streets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the review was designed to help pubs and bars “thrive”.

"This review is about cutting red tape, boosting footfall, and making it easier for venues to put on the kind of events that bring people together," he said.

But critics argue that easing red tape should not come at the cost of community oversight.

And further concerns have been raised that the pub and hospitality sector faces significant financial pressures, which licensing reforms alone would not be enough to address.

CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said the reforms would do little to help struggling pubs.

“Making it easier for pubs to stay open later and apply for outdoor seating areas is all well and good, but it is frankly insulting for ministers to suggest that cutting red tape in the licensing system is going to support pubs and boost economic growth when our locals are being taxed to the hilt and are struggling to keep the lights on and the doors open," he said.

“When making the announcement the Prime Minister said that pubs are ‘the beating heart of our communities’. If he means that, and if he is really serious about saving our locals, then he needs to urgently commit to cutting the tax burden on businesses in the Budget next month.

“Without bold action on VAT, energy bills, National Insurance and duty to support publicans, consumers and breweries then we simply risk losing more of the nation’s locals for good.”