The Licensing Committee of Hillingdon Council met on Thursday 8 October 2026 to discuss legislative and industry updates, and to review the committee's forward plan. The committee noted the report on legislative and industry updates and discussed proposed changes to the committee's forward plan, including suggestions for future agenda items and meeting formats.

Legislative and Industry Update

The committee received an update on recent legislative, policy, and industry developments impacting licensing functions. Key changes to the Section 182 Guidance under the Licensing Act 2003 were highlighted, which now place a greater emphasis on supporting economic growth, cultural activity, and the night-time economy, while continuing to promote the four statutory licensing objectives. This includes encouraging licensing authorities to consider economic benefits alongside the licensing objectives when making decisions and to have regard to local strategies and plans.

Updates were also provided on Temporary Event Notices (TENs), with changes to the maximum number of TENs and days covered by them coming into effect from January 2027. Safeguarding measures in relation to spiking were reinforced, with licensed operators encouraged to adopt proactive arrangements.

A significant development discussed was the introduction of strategic licensing powers for the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Mayor of London, effective from 29 June 2026. The Mayor now has powers to develop a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy and has become a Responsible Authority under the Licensing Act 2003, meaning they receive all new and variation applications and can make representations. London licensing authorities are also required to consult the Mayor when preparing or revising their Statements of Licensing Policy. While Hillingdon Council remains the licensing authority, members were advised that future licensing policy across London is likely to be increasingly influenced by wider strategic objectives. Councillor Peter Smallwood OBE suggested inviting a representative from the Mayor's Office to a future meeting to explain these new arrangements.

Other updates included the National Licensing Policy Framework, which promotes a balanced approach to responsible business growth and safeguards; the ongoing work to support digital proof of age technologies; the Partnership Charter for the Night-Time Economy, encouraging collaboration between authorities, businesses, and communities; and Martyn's Law, which introduces duties on venues to assess terrorism risks and implement mitigation measures. The Agent of Change Principle, which places responsibility for mitigating impacts on new developments near existing licensed premises, was also noted.

In relation to the Gambling Act 2005, the committee was informed about the statutory gambling levy, which has completed its first full year of operation and generates funds for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms. The introduction of Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs) was also anticipated, which would give local authorities more say in areas with a cluster of gambling premises.

Members expressed concerns about Ward Councillors being made aware of TENs. They were advised that while statutory notification requirements had not changed, notices were required to be displayed prominently at premises. Where particular concerns existed, further engagement with relevant authorities could take place. The committee also discussed the potential for a fifth licensing objective and how licensing policies link with wider strategies, with assurances that policies and conditions are reviewed by Legal Services and relevant officers.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the report on the Legislative and Industry Update.

Committee Forward Planner

The committee discussed its future work programme. It was suggested that the meeting on 6 April 2027 be moved to an evening slot, starting at 7:00 pm, to better accommodate members who may need to take time off work.

Members requested a future update from Trading Standards, including details on the number of visits completed, joint operations, and their outcomes. An update on outstanding actions relating to gambling at Heathrow airside premises was also requested.

The committee supported the idea of conducting site visits to licensed premises to observe licensing compliance in practice. It was also suggested that a licensee be invited to a future meeting to share their experiences of working with the Licensing Service. Furthermore, requests were made for additional member training opportunities, including training on the Ask for Angela initiative.

RESOLVED: That the Committee Forward Planner be noted.

Ratification of Sub Committee Minutes

The committee was updated on recent Licensing Sub-Committee decisions and ratified the minutes of these recent hearings.

RESOLVED: That the Committee, with the agreement of any Members present at the following Sub-Committees that they are a correct record, ratified the minutes of the following meetings:

• 30 September 2025 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: Pepe's Piri Piri, 23 Station Road, West Drayton, UB7 7BT.
• 27 October 2025 – Application for a New Bingo Premises Licence: 'Merkur Slots', Part Ground Floor, 62 Station Road, Hayes, UB3 4DF.
• 12 January 2026 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: Tesco Express, 34 Station Road, West Drayton, UB7 7BZ.
• 16 January 2026 – Application for the Review of a Premises Licence: Greenland, 62 The Broadway, Joel Street, Northwood Hills, HA6 1PA.
• 25 February 2026 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: Ruislip Manor Sports and Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, Ruislip, HA4 6JQ.
• 16 March 2026 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: Home Bargains, Unit 2, Harefield Road, Uxbridge, UB8 1ZZ.
• 28 May 2026 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: The Smoking Jacket, The Old Forge, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2QN.
• 3 June 2026 – Application for the Variation of a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit: J.J. Moons Public House, 12 Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, Hillingdon, HA4 0AA.
• 11 June 2026 – Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence: Susegad Beatz 2026 at Harlington School Grounds, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, UB3 1PB.
• 11 June 2026 – Application for a New Premises Licence: Sky Ex Community Stadium.
• 27 July 2026 – Application to Vary a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit: Hollywood Bowl & Puttstars, Unit 220, The Chimes (Upper Mall), Uxbridge, UB8 1QJ.
• 30 July 2026 – Application for a Renewal of an Existing Street Trading Licence: Hayes Food Centre, 64–70 Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.
• 10 August 2026 – Application to Vary a Premises Licence: London Empire Hotel Limited, 233 High Street, Uxbridge, UB8 1LD.
• 11 August 2026 – Application for the Review of a Premises Licence: Rahul Food & Wine, 3–3A Hillingdon Parade, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, UB10 0PE.
• 2 September 2026 – Application for a Renewal of an Existing Street Trading Licence: Northwood Hills Supermarket, 44–46 Joel Street, Northwood Hills, HA6 1PA.