The Licensing Committee of the City of London Council met on Thursday 05 February 2026 to discuss the Environment Department's high-level business plan for 2026-30, the revenue budgets for 2026/27, and upcoming legislative changes. The committee also reviewed reports on the Late Night Levy, licensing reforms, and delegated decisions concerning premises licences.

Environment Department High-Level Business Plan 2026-30

The committee was scheduled to consider the Environment Department's high-level Business Plan for 2026-30. This plan outlines the department's priorities and actions for the period, aligning with the Corporate Plan 2024-29. The report, presented by Executive Director Environment Katie Stewart, details workstreams relevant to the Licensing Committee, including supporting the Destination City initiative through effective licensing services while balancing the needs of City residents. The plan also covers areas such as public protection, port health, animal health, cemetery and crematorium services, and the cleansing service. The committee was asked to approve the elements of the plan within its remit, with a more detailed list of Licensing Service priorities for 2026/27 provided in Appendix B.

Revenue Budgets 2026/27

A report from the Chamberlain was scheduled for discussion regarding the revenue budgets for 2026/27. The proposed budget for the Licensing Committee totalled £414,000, representing an increase of £49,000 compared to the 2025/26 budget of £365,000. This budget was prepared within the allocated resource envelope for the Executive Director Environment, incorporating a 3% inflation increase. The report detailed movements in expenditure and income across local risk budgets, central risk budgets, and support services, with significant variances explained. The committee was asked to review and approve the proposed revenue budget for 2026/27 for submission to the Finance Committee.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill from the City Remembrancer. This bill, which had progressed through Parliament, aims to create a smoke-free generation by preventing the legal sale of tobacco to those born after 1 January 2009. It also includes provisions to make vaping less attractive to children, strengthen smoke-free restrictions, and enhance enforcement around the sale of tobacco and vaping products. The report outlined implications for the City of London Corporation, particularly in its roles as a local weights and measures authority (Trading Standards) and a licensing authority, highlighting potential additional finance, skills, and resource burdens.

Late Night Levy – 12 Month Report (1 Oct 2024 – 30 Sep 2025)

A report from the Executive Director of Environment was scheduled to provide a 12-month overview of the Late Night Levy, which has been operating in the City of London since October 2014. The report detailed the number of premises liable to pay the levy, the income collected, and how these funds have been spent. The levy is used to support the management of the night-time economy, including the operation of the risk scheme and the Safety Thirst accreditation scheme, which offers a discount on the levy. Funds also support the Environment Department's Cleansing service and the City Police in managing the night-time economy and addressing alcohol-related crime and disorder. The report indicated that the number of premises paying the levy remained consistent, suggesting it is not a barrier to business expansion.

Licensing Reforms

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of recent government licensing reforms from the Executive Director of Environment. This included information on the National Licensing Policy Framework (NLPF), its purpose, scope, and implications for the City of London Corporation as a licensing authority. The report outlined how the NLPF aims to modernise the licensing system, promote economic growth, and ensure consistency across England and Wales. Additionally, an update was provided on the Mayor of London's Strategic Licensing Pilot, which proposes to give the Mayor call-in powers over licensing decisions in strategic areas, and the proposed introduction of a Greater London Strategic Licensing Policy.

Delegated Decisions of the Executive Director Environment Pertaining to Premises Licences

A report from the Executive Director Environment was scheduled to detail premises licences and variations granted by the Licensing Service between 1 September 2025 and 31 December 2025. This report did not include decisions made at Licensing Sub-Committee hearings where members were involved in the decision-making process. It also provided a summary of enforcement action taken under the Licensing Act 2003, the Police, Factories (Misc Provisions) Act 1916, and the City of London (Various Powers) Act 1987 during the same period. Data from the 'traffic light' risk scheme, which assesses premises based on incidents and complaints, was also presented for the period of 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Fire Safety Update

The Executive Director Environment was scheduled to provide a verbal report on fire safety.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

An opportunity was scheduled for members to ask questions regarding the work of the committee.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

Members could raise any other urgent business that the Chairman deemed appropriate for discussion.

The agenda also included items for the exclusion of the public for non-public business, the agreement of non-public minutes, a quarterly update from the City of London Police, and further appendices related to delegated decisions and enforcement.