24 hour party people - Hospitality workers embrace extended licensing laws

Workers in the hospitality industry are in favour of new extended licensing laws, according to research by Caterer.com, the UKís leading hospitality recruitment web site.

The survey of those at the industryís coalface reveals that 55 per cent of pub, bar, hotel and restaurant employees are in favour of saying goodbye to a standard last orders time. This is despite the fact that around half believe that the new rules will mean longer working hours.

Interestingly, Liverpudlians are most open to change with 75 per cent welcoming the new laws, probably due to the cityís history of more relaxed licensing hours. Hullís bartenders are the least keen, with only a quarter willing to work into the early hours.

It appears that positive lifestyle changes are at the heart of the upbeat attitude. Fifty per cent of respondents believe that the new laws will give them more chance to socialise on the other side of the bar before and after their shift. The ability to earn more money is a draw for 40 per cent. A further 42 per cent believe that the longer opening times will give them more flexibility over the hours they work.

Staff in watering holes, restaurants and hotels across England and Wales also believe that the new rules will benefit the hospitality industry. One in three predict that the new licensing laws will encourage more sensible drinking, and 32 per cent of respondents believe it will encourage tourism. Forty five per cent believe that the 24-hour entertainment licenses will bring England and Wales in line with the rest of Europe.

However, there are a number of concerns over the regulations set to come into force in many areas on 7th February. Whilst the plans are for many pubs and clubs to stagger their business hours rather than remain open 24 hours, 44 per cent of respondents still believe that the laws will encourage anti-social behavior. Worryingly, 29 per cent of jobseekers claim that the rules will put them off applying for roles in the industry.

Men are the most keen on burning the candle at both ends, with 61 per cent in favour of the new legislation compared to 49 per cent of women.

Simon Taylorson, sales director for Caterer.com, said: Whilst itís encouraging to see that the majority of workers are in favour of the extended licensing, employers should think long and hard about the implications for their staff before calling time on extended drinking hours. Our results reveal that the hospitality workforce is forward thinking, sociable and open to change, yet I urge employers to consult with staff and find out their concerns.

The new licensing represents a significant shake-up for employees in the industry. Everything from safety to how the extra hours will affect their personal relationships and lifestyles should be considered if companies are to attract and retain the UKís star bartenders.