The Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for 27 April 2026 was set to address the review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, procedures for licensing hearings, and to receive updates on delegated decisions and police activity. The committee was also scheduled to elect its Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Election of Chairman and Deputy Chairman

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the election of a Chairman and Deputy Chairman for the committee, in accordance with the council's Standing Orders. Following these elections, the committee was also due to appoint four Members to chair Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee meetings for the upcoming year.

Review of Statement of Licensing Policy

A significant item on the agenda was the review of the City of London Corporation's Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP). The report, presented by the Executive Director of Environment, outlined the methodology and timeline for this statutory five-year review. The purpose of the review is to ensure the SoLP remains current and lawful, taking into account legislative changes such as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (commonly known as Martyn's Law), the National Licensing Policy Framework, and local strategies like the City Plan 2040 and Destination City. The proposed timeline aims for the publication of the revised SoLP by January 2027, following a period of public consultation.

Licensing Hearings Procedure

The committee was also scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the procedures for Licensing Sub-Committee hearings. The report from the Executive Director of Environment aimed to clarify how late supplementary information submitted by applicants, responsible authorities, and other interested parties would be managed. The proposed changes, detailed in the Licensing Hearings - Procedure Note for the Submission of Supplementary Information, are intended to promote procedural fairness, support effective decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of hearing adjournments.

Delegated Decisions and Enforcement Updates

The committee was to receive a report detailing the delegated decisions made by the Executive Director of Environment concerning premises licences between 1 January 2026 and 1 March 2026. This report, which includes information on new licence applications and variations, also summarises enforcement actions taken under the Licensing Act 2003 and other relevant legislation between 1 January 2026 and 31 March 2026. This includes data from the 'traffic light' risk scheme. The report also detailed a prosecution outcome for illegal street trading.

Additionally, a quarterly update from the City of London Police was scheduled for discussion.

Minutes and Other Business

The committee was also due to agree the public minutes of its previous meeting held on 5 February 2026, and to receive the public minutes of the Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee meetings concerning the premises Eadn, held on 4 February 2026 (adjourned) and 6 March 2026. A verbal report was also scheduled regarding concerns raised at the Eadn hearing that were not directly related to the application itself. The agenda also included provisions for questions on matters relating to the committee's work and any other urgent business. The meeting was also scheduled to move into a private session to discuss non-public minutes and a quarterly update from the City of London Police.