Proposals for a shake-up of licensing laws could see the public left in the dark about plans for pubs and nightclubs to open or change their hours, if given the go ahead.

Last week saw a public consultation launched on the government’s reform of licensing rules, which includes a proposal to remove the statutory requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be advertised in local papers.

It would mean 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 giving local people no opportunity to have their say on plans such as those submitted last month by Aston Ingham Bowling Club which wants to be able to sell alcohol at its club premises every day from 10am to 11pm.

Equally they might not know that Post - a restaurant located in the former post office at Newnham-on-Severn in the Forest of Dean is hoping to extend the time until which is can serve alcohol until 10.30pm on Wednesdays.

While these applications are not necessary unwelcome and frequently improve the area they serve, it is important that local communities are aware of plans which could ultimately affect them, their way of life and their property values. This vital process can only happen when the community is fully informed about issues under consideration.

The licensing reform is one of two separate moves by the Government to stop these printed notices - the other would see changes to local authority governance also no longer published in local newspapers - plans which many fear would shroud local communities in secrecy.

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 English local government in 50 years.

News Media Association chairman Danny Cammiade, who is also chief executive of Tindle Newspapers which owns this newspaper, 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.”

The proposals have received widespread backlash with a recent House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee report on digital exclusion warning that around 10.2 million adults are not able to access information online and independent research from OnePoll showing that local news media remains the primary source used by the public to access public notices.

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.