The Licensing Committee of Ealing Council met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss updates on licensing policy and enforcement, and to review the gambling licensing policy. Key decisions included noting the licensing update report and endorsing the approach for renewing the gambling licensing policy.

Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update

The committee received an update on licensing hearings and enforcement activities that took place between September 2025 and January 2026. Izabela Gregory, Head of Environmental Health & Trading Standards, reported that the Licensing Committee had made nine decisions concerning eight different premises during an eight-week period. These decisions included one summary review of a premises licence, three new premises licence determinations, one variation hearing, two standard reviews, and one decision relating to a Temporary Event Notice.

Enforcement activity had focused on massage and special treatment (MST) licences, with approximately 200 such premises in the borough undergoing licensing or inspection. The report also highlighted the development of a national licensing framework by the Government, which would classify premises using a traffic-light system, with local authorities licensing those in the green and amber categories. Higher-risk procedures, such as certain cosmetic treatments, would fall under the remit of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Concerns were raised about unregulated cosmetic procedures like Botox, which are not currently covered by MST licensing.

Fireworks licensing was also discussed, with around 50 premises being licensed to sell fireworks within the borough, and inspections being conducted to ensure safe storage. Proactive compliance visits, funded by a Public Health grant, had seen over 50 licensed premises visited to check adherence to licence conditions and measures to reduce street drinking and antisocial behaviour.

A case study was presented concerning an unlicensed premises in West Ealing that was prosecuted for unlawfully selling alcohol and providing late-night entertainment. The company was fined £13,200 plus costs, and the director received a personal fine of £6,600, totalling £26,265. This outcome was presented as evidence of the council's commitment to tackling serious non-compliance.

The revised Licensing Policy, which took effect from 27 July 2025, was also detailed. Key changes included updates to management conditions, licence conditions, and policies relating to special policy areas. New sections were introduced addressing violence against women and girls, modern slavery, human trafficking, and large events and delivery services. The policy now requires event organisers to submit applications at least three months in advance for smaller events and six months for those expecting over 5,000 attendees, along with a detailed Event Management Plan. In anticipation of Martyn's Law, venues accommodating over 200 people will be required to undertake basic counterterrorism risk assessments. A new policy section on alcohol delivery services aims to address concerns about public nuisance and the protection of children.

Izabela Gregory clarified that many new cosmetic treatments are not currently licensable, and the council uses health and safety powers to address safety concerns. She also noted that while the MST licence process can be lengthy, enforcement action may become firmer in the future. The council's approach to licensing aims to support a healthy high street by ensuring activities are carried out safely, with enforcement typically following advice and support.

The report also detailed changes to Special Policy Areas (SPAs), which are evidence-based and refined using Lower Super Output Areas for clarity. The northern arm of the Acton SPA was removed, with an extension to the south side of the A402. In Ealing and West Ealing, the boundary was extended along Uxbridge Road. In Southall, the Beaconsfield Road section was removed, while the Greenford area was expanded. SPAs create a rebuttable presumption against granting licences likely to undermine licensing objectives, requiring applicants to demonstrate robust preventative measures.

New policy sections aim to tackle male violence against women and girls, encouraging applicants to sign up to the Mayor of London's Women's Night Safety Charter and adopt schemes like WAVE training and Ask for Angela. Measures for off-licence operators include preventing street drinking and ensuring adequate staffing. A section on modern slavery and human trafficking requires staff training to recognise exploitation and establish reporting procedures.

The committee was informed that the council is planning WAVE training, potentially a Safe Haven scheme, and further technical training for higher-risk premises.

Gambling Licensing Policy Update

Izabela Gregory also provided an update on the Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy. The current policy, introduced on 29 June 2023, requires review every three years, with the next renewal due by June 2026. Gambling is nationally regulated by the Gambling Commission, while local authorities manage local premises, of which Ealing has around 180. The borough currently operates under a no casino resolution.

The planned update is a minor refresh, updating templates and necessary sections rather than a full review, due to potential changes from the Government's 2023 White Paper on gambling reform. A local area plan, similar to Special Policy Areas under the Licensing Act, is being developed to identify areas where gambling premises may cause issues. This plan will inform licence applicants' risk assessments.

The timeline for updating the policy includes refreshing the policy and template in the coming months, presenting a draft to the committee in January, conducting statutory consultation, and incorporating feedback for the April meeting, with the aim of implementing the new policy by 1 June.

The no casino resolution is proposed for retention. Joe Blanchard, Head of Environmental Health & Trading Standards, noted that this resolution is a political decision and that the committee is being asked to instruct officers to commence the statutory process for renewing the gambling policy, which includes consultation with residents and businesses. The results of this consultation will inform decisions on whether to continue the no-casino resolution.

The committee was informed that the Gambling Act 2005 requires the council to publish a Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy at least every three years, with the current policy due for renewal by 29 June 2026. The no casino resolution, in place since 2012, is also due for renewal. The draft policy for 2026-2029 has been prepared, and a statutory consultation is planned from January to March 2026. The final draft policy will be presented to the Licensing Committee on 15 April 2026, with adoption by Full Council intended before June 2026.

The draft policy includes a new local area profile to identify areas of heightened risk or vulnerability, which will inform licence applications in those areas. The policy also reiterates the council's commitment to upholding the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005, particularly the protection of children and vulnerable persons. The no casino resolution is based on factors including local demographic data, research on deprivation and problem gambling, and community opposition.

The committee was invited to endorse the approach outlined in the report and instruct officers to proceed with the renewal process.