Sector is sceptical over government licensing proposals given ‘ever-rising costs’ and ‘reduced consumer spend’Plans to make it easier for pubs to open until the small hours will not offset the “toxic” combination of high costs and hard-up drinkers staying at home, industry figures have predicted, as they called for more help to cope with costs.The warning comes in response to government proposals to loosen licensing laws affecting pubs in England and Wales in order to boost “the British night out” and help the hospitality sector. Continue reading...