The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to review the Licensing Team's annual report and to discuss proposed changes to the Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy. Key decisions included noting the Licensing Team's performance and work activity, approving updated standard conditions and commodity regulations for street trading, and supporting the designation of more streets for regulated street trading activities.

Annual Licensing Committee Report April 2025 to March 2026

The committee received an update on the Licensing Team's performance and work activity for the financial year 2025-2026. Adrian Overton, Licensing Team Manager, presented the report, which covered staffing, team performance, financial updates, and enforcement activities.

Staffing and Performance: The team experienced a challenging year with two officers on maternity leave, but welcomed agency workers and successfully filled vacancies for an enforcement officer and a compliance assistant towards the end of 2025. Applications and notifications received by the team increased by six percent compared to the previous year, with a notable eleven percent rise in Temporary Event Notices (TENs). However, there was a decrease in provisional statement applications. The number of licensing subcommittee hearings also increased by eight percent, with a significant rise in review applications, the majority of which were initiated by the Licensing Authority.

Financial Update: Income from annual fees and applications saw a slight fall, attributed to a reduction in applications and premises surrendering their licences. This was partially offset by a significant cost recovery from a successfully defended appeal. The licensing debt rose slightly due to delays in recruiting a second licensing enforcement officer, whose role includes debt recovery.

Enforcement: The enforcement side of the service was very busy, dealing with 122 complaints. The report highlighted the complexity of these complaints, often requiring site visits and CCTV reviews. The team also managed a record number of reviews, which involve extensive evidence gathering. Proactive involvement in borough events and inspections at football clubs were also noted.

Service Improvements and Future Plans: The team focused on licence reviews for problematic premises and introduced a more restrictive gambling policy with new cumulative impact areas and gambling vulnerability zones. Work is ongoing with public health colleagues to strengthen the evidence base for policies, particularly in light of a current judicial review concerning the gambling policy. The nighttime strategy is in its final stages, and the team is looking to migrate to a new NEC system. Future plans include reviewing the licensing policy, finalising the nighttime strategy, and exploring new fees for film ratings. The sex establishment policy is also due for renewal with a focus on performer welfare.

Gambling Policy and Judicial Review: The restrictive gambling policy, introduced in January 2025, is believed to be acting as a deterrent to new operators. The council has appointed a barrister to represent it in a judicial review concerning this policy, with a decision pending on whether a hearing will be required. The council is working with public health colleagues to ensure the evidence base for the policy is robust.

Nighttime Strategy: The nighttime strategy is awaiting final approval and will be developed in conjunction with economic development colleagues.

Councillor Questions: Councillors raised questions regarding the distortion of application figures by large-scale developments like Olympia, the recovery of costs versus expenditure in financial reports, and the clarity provided to residents about what constitutes a relevant representation in licensing hearings. Councillor Wesley Harcourt inquired about the practical alternatives for traders needing power sources in areas without electricity and the council's approach to single-use plastics. Councillor Jacolyn Daly sought clarification on how the council ensures its evidence base for policies is robust, particularly in relation to the gambling policy judicial review.

Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy and Updated Prescribed Standard Conditions and Regulation of Commodities

The committee discussed a report on the draft Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy, updated prescribed standard conditions for street trading licences, and the updated regulation of commodities. Richard, Executive Director for Housing and Neighbourhoods, introduced the report.

Policy Aims: The policy aims to foster a vibrant and professional market environment, attract and retain traders, address economic challenges, and showcase the broader values of markets and street trading sites. It also reflects ambitions for a cleaner, sustainable borough, with plans to improve recycling, reduce single-use plastics, and provide electric power points.

Consultation and Proposed Changes: A nine-week consultation was undertaken, receiving 54 responses from residents, shoppers, and traders. The proposed policy includes clear legal guidance on trader conduct and enforcement actions, details on various trading activities, provisions for environmental protection, support for traders, and safeguarding information. It also addresses public health and safety, waste management, and specific trading sites.

Key Discussions and Decisions:

• Trading Standards and Market Inspections: The Markets and Street Trading Manager, Ahmed, confirmed that the team conducts spot checks and investigates complaints, passing evidence to Trading Standards where necessary.
• Shop Front Licences: The report noted that no shop front licences had been issued, and the council is engaging with traders to implement this.
• Impact on Small Markets: Concerns were raised about the new policy potentially making it harder for small, specialist, charitable, or farmers' markets to operate. The council stated its approach would be gradual, starting with engagement and warnings before enforcement.
• Music in Markets: The policy's restriction on music in markets was discussed, with assurances that the council would work collaboratively with groups to understand their needs.
• Ice Cream Vans and Generators: The use of diesel and petrol generators and the transition to electric alternatives were discussed, with a commitment to working with highways colleagues on providing electricity points.
• Pavement Licences: The difficulty in defining pavement boundaries and implementing consistent policies was acknowledged, with a commitment to working with ward councillors on problem areas.
• Single-Use Plastics: The council's prohibition of single-use plastics was reiterated, with a discussion on reusable alternatives.
• Designated Streets: The proposal to designate more streets for regulated street trading activities was supported.

Recommendations: The committee agreed to:

1. Note the updates to the Markets and Street Trading Licensing Policy and support its progression to Full Council for adoption.
2. Approve the updated Prescribed Standard Conditions for Street Trading Licences, including new shop front trading licence conditions.
3. Approve the updated Regulation of Commodities for Street Trading Licences 2026.
4. Support the proposal to designate more streets for regulated street trading activities.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of exempt elements, requiring the exclusion of the public and press.