UK hospitality firms are set to be "set free" from more than 60 rules and regulations under new government proposals announced by tourism minister John Penrose.

The plans, which will see "overly burdensome, bureaucratic or completely redundant rules" scrapped as part of the government's Red Tape Challenge, follows public consultation.

Among the changes to be implemented include a reduction in licensing requirements, which will make application forms simpler and provide local authorities with greater flexibility.

Regulations covering the location and design of 'no smoking' signs will be scrapped, while the government will also tackle excess charges for the inspection of private water supplies.

Meanwhile, a raft of new measures to improve food regulation have also been unveiled, with a streamlining of food safety regulations to be introduced.

Penrose said: "Rules and regulations grow like bindweed through industry and business, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the hospitality, food and drink sectors.

"Wading through bumph, filling in pointless and repetitive forms is a spirit-sapping experience which too often chokes off enterprise and endeavour."