The Licensing Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss proposed changes to licensing fees for the upcoming financial year, review the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and receive an update on recent licensing appeals.

Licensing Fee Review 2026-2027

The committee was scheduled to consider a review of licensing fees for various regimes where the council has the authority to set fees. The report outlined proposed fee increases, averaging between 6% and 7%, intended to enable the council to recover its costs for administering, monitoring, and enforcing these licensing regimes. These fees are set annually in line with the council's corporate approach. The report detailed fees for a wide range of licences, including those for animals, sex establishments, marriage venues, sports grounds, and scrap metal dealers. It also noted that fees for certain regimes, such as gambling and alcohol premises licences, are set by statute. The proposed fees are designed to recover actual costs incurred by the council without generating a profit, in line with the European Union Services Directive and the Provisions of Services Regulations 2009.

Statement of Licensing Policy Review

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the early stages of reviewing the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which is due for re-publication by October 2026. This review aims to simplify and modernise the policy, which has been in place for over 15 years. Key areas for consideration include aligning the policy with issues such as women's safety, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and Net Zero targets. The review also seeks to reflect the evolving nature of Westminster's evening and night-time economy.

Early engagement with stakeholders, including councillors, licensing agents, resident associations, and business representatives, has identified several potential policy changes. These include:

• Recognition of Westminster After Dark Opportunity Areas: Promoting the development of new evening and night-time hubs that support a diverse range of non-alcohol-led activities.
• Modernisation of Premises Use Types: Reviewing and potentially adapting definitions to better reflect how licensed premises operate, including hybrid and combined-use venues.
• Application of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) framework: Informing the policy with a revised CIA to manage cumulative impact while supporting businesses, with a focus on evidence-based decisions sensitive to local circumstances.
• Integration of Key Safety Provisions: Incorporating requirements related to Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025), Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and antisocial behaviour into the policy.
• Accessible Language and Policy Structure: Rewriting the policy to remove technical jargon, improve clarity, and align with broader council priorities.
• Sustainability Guidance: Introducing guidance to help applicants reduce environmental impacts, aligning with the council's Net Zero ambitions.
• Third-Party Deliveries Policy Update: Reflecting the impact of third-party delivery services on licensing objectives.
• Enforcement and Reviews: Clarifying how enforcement powers are applied and enhancing transparency in enforcement practices.
• 'Good Operator' References and Guidance: Introducing an expectation for applicants to demonstrate they are a 'good operator', supported by examples of good practice.
• Core Hours: Revising the policy on core trading hours to reflect new trading patterns and social changes.

The review process includes ongoing engagement with various stakeholders, with a statutory public consultation planned for 2026.

Update of Licensing Appeals

The committee was scheduled to receive a report providing a summary of recent licensing appeals and other important cases. Legal Services had been dealing with several appeals, with some settled, some withdrawn, and others still pending. The report detailed specific cases, including appeals related to premises such as Sunset Strip, Blue Note Jazz, Sunny Corner, Concept, Albert Scholls, Daylesford Organic, and Eureka. It also outlined a prosecution by Global Radio concerning alleged statutory nuisance from buskers in Leicester Square, where an Abatement Order had been issued against the council, and the council was appealing the sentence imposed. The report aimed to keep members informed of the outcomes of these legal proceedings and any associated costs.