The Licensing Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including a proposed change to the temporary events licence fee for the Bexleyheath Broadway Business Improvement District (BID), aimed at boosting the town centre's economy, and to review the annual performance of the Licensing Partnership. The committee approved the 6-month event licence for the Bexleyheath BID, and they also reviewed licensing activities determined under delegated powers, and received updates on licensing enforcement and the Licensing Partnership's annual performance.

Bexleyheath BID Temporary Events Licence Fee

The committee approved a 6-month event licence for the Bexleyheath BID at a fixed fee of £10,000. This decision aims to support local businesses and increase footfall in Bexleyheath town centre. The current temporary licence fee of £1,150 per week was deemed too rigid and resulted in low uptake.

The new licence will allow the Bexleyheath BID to manage temporary traders, set operator charges, and organise markets and community events along Broadway, from the Kings Arms to Market Place. Regular permanent traders will continue to be licensed directly by the council. The council will retain oversight on statutory duties, including health and safety, food hygiene, generator safety, and public liability insurance. There will be monthly compliance review meetings between council officers and the BID team. The agreement includes a termination clause, allowing either party to end the licence with six months' written notice.

The report noted that the council currently generates approximately £20,000 per year from Bexleyheath BID, collected monthly, which takes time to administer. The new arrangement will provide two guaranteed payments of £10,000 every six months, freeing up officer time. The agreement stipulates that the fee will increase annually based on the Retail Price Index¹.

Licensing Partnership Annual Update 2025

The committee reviewed the annual performance of the Licensing Partnership, which includes Bexley, Maidstone Borough Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, and Sevenoaks District Council. The partnership provides line management responsibilities to the respective licensing enforcement teams and an administration team at Sevenoaks.

The report highlighted that the partnership handled a large amount of work, with application volumes returning to pre-pandemic levels. Key statistics from the Item 6.1 Annual Update report 25 include:

• Nearly 9,700 applications, notices, and permits were received across the partnership.
• Over 1,483 pieces of work were for Bexley.
• Bexley's share of processing work accounted for approximately 20% of the partnership's total.
• Over 29,800 emails were received in the main Licensing inbox, with 5,876 for Bexley.
• 6,328 calls were received to the main licensing hotline, with 1,144 for Bexley.

The Head of Licensing also handled all Bexley Freedom of Information requests and drafted reports for the Licensing Committee.

The report also detailed performance against service plan objectives for 2024/25, including:

• Overseeing the Licensing Partnership to deliver efficiency savings and achieve performance targets.
• Remaining open to undertaking licensing functions for other local authorities.
• Seeking further efficiency savings through continuous review of processes and procedures.
• Undertaking necessary projects to deliver or enhance service provision.
• Undertaking a programme of training for members and officers.
• Revising policies and procedures, including annual review of fees and gambling policies.
• Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of staff.

The committee also reviewed the new service plan for 2025/26, which includes a new objective regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The Item 6.1 Annual Update report 25 noted that while LGR does not directly impact Bexley, it will affect the other three partners.

Licences Determined Under Delegated Powers and Appeal Activity

The committee received a report summarising the licences granted under the Licensing Act 2003² by the Deputy Director, Strategic Planning & Housing under delegated powers from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025.

Five new premises licences were granted under delegated powers:

• Mrs Anushiya Miyuran Pratheepan, The Tap Room at 1 Marechal Niel Parade, Main Road, Sidcup DA14 6QF
• Mr Selvaratnam Kirisanker, The Cabin at 102 Barnehurst Road, Bexleyheath DA7 6HG
• Mrs Stephanie White, Noon Coffeehouse at 45 The Oval, Sidcup DA15 9ER
• Cellar 89 Limited, Cellar 89 at 29 The Oval, Sidcup DA15 9ER
• Boutique Of Meat Limited, Boutique Of Meat at 69 Bellegrove Road, Welling DA16 3PG

One full variation was granted under delegated authority:

• The Co-operative Group Food Limited, The Co-op Westwood Lane, Blackfen & Lamorbey, Sidcup DA15 9PS to extend the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises to 24 hours and to add Late Night Refreshment as a licensable activity.

Eight minor variations were approved, including changes of layout at various Co-op, Morrisons and Costcutter stores.

Twenty-two applications were granted under delegated powers to change the name of a designated premises supervisor. Eight applications to transfer a licence were also granted under delegated powers.

The council received an appeal against Asda Local, 19-21 Blackfen Road, Sidcup, DA15 8QD, but the appellant has since withdrawn the appeal.

No licences were revoked, or applications refused, under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013³.

Licensing Enforcement Update

The committee received an update on recent enforcement activity. The Council's Licensing Enforcement Officer had nothing to report.

Regarding Trading Standards, the report provided updates on various service areas:

• Alcohol: No reports of underage sales were received.
• Fireworks: Visits to premises selling fireworks would commence from 15 October to ensure compliance with licence conditions.
• Animals: Nothing to report.
• Special Treatments: Visits and licensing of special treatment premises continued.
• Scrap Metal: Renewals were expected, and premises would be visited to ensure compliance.
• Vapes and Tobacco: Vape shops in the borough were complying with new legislation.

The report also noted that promises from landlords to evict tenants following closure orders had not been fully honoured. The team is considering Community Protection Warnings and Notices and may seek additional closure orders for premises selling illicit tobacco.

Trading Standards are seizing Labubu dolls from retailers in the borough due to safety concerns, as they are counterfeit and do not comply with Toy Safety Regulations.