The Licensing Committee of Haringey Council was scheduled to convene on 6 November 2025, to discuss a range of licensing-related matters. Key items on the agenda included a consultation response on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy, and revisions to functions, fees and conditions, under massage and special treatment licensing.

Draft Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee was scheduled to consider the consultation responses and outcomes related to the draft Statement of Licensing Policy (SOLP) for 2026-2031. The current policy is set to expire at the end of January 2026, and local authorities are required to review and adopt a new statement at least every five years. The draft policy was compiled in conjunction with the police, public health, the Noise and Nuisance Team, and other responsible authorities and partners.

The draft SOLP outlines Haringey Council's approach to implementing the Licensing Act 2003 regarding licenses for the sale of alcohol, entertainment, and late-night refreshment. It serves as a guide for applicants, residents, and responsible authorities. The policy aims to make the licensing system clear, simple, and effective, with a focus on promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The report pack notes that the draft policy has been updated to reflect changes in law and guidance, including updates on pavement licensed areas, immigration status documentation, and wording to prepare for Martyn's Law. It also includes new sections outlining expectations in areas such as addressing risks and harms to women and vulnerable people in the nighttime economy, online alcohol delivery services, dark kitchens, drink spiking, and the dispersal of patrons from premises.

The consultation took place online and received 42 responses, with additional responses received directly by email. The consultation outcome was scheduled to be presented to the Licensing Committee, who would agree on the policy to be presented to the Full Council for adoption on 24 November.

An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was conducted, with the conclusion that there was no anticipated negative impact on any characteristic, and potential positive impacts as a result of the policy on sex, age, race and ethnicity.

The Licensing Committee was asked to recommend that the Full Council adopt the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2026–2031.

Revision of Functions and Fees Under Massage and Special Treatment

The committee was also scheduled to discuss a report on the revision of functions and fees under massage and special treatment licensing, as well as the revision of conditions.

The meeting was informed that ear piercings (or similar activities) carried out by jewellers needed to be licensed, and that the ASB Enforcement team had been asked to carry out door-to-door research on premises that did piercings. It was noted that fees would be paid by business owners, and that in situations where a person would rent a room, such as at a hairdresser, who would then offer massages or special treatments, that individual would pay their own fee.

The meeting also heard that the classification of treatments listed in the agenda papers were simply a partial list, and that the more intrusive treatments such as anything that pierced the skin would be categorised as Class 1 and lower levels of treatment such as nails would be categorised as Class 4. However, some of the classifications appeared to have inconsistencies, so the documents would be revised.

The Licensing Committee was asked to note the contents of the report and the appendices in the report, approve the proposed changes to the Massage and Special Treatment licensing process, exercise power under s10(1) of the London Local Authorities Act 1991 by regulation to prescribe the revised standard conditions for licensed special treatments establishments and the revised special conditions attached with the report, and approve the fees and charges for this function as set out in Appendices 2 and 3 in the report.

Other Items

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting. Councillor Anna Abela, Chair of Licensing Committee, was scheduled to preside over the meeting. Nazyer Choudhury, Principal Committee Co-ordinator, and Fiona Alderman, Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer) were also listed as contacts for the meeting.