The Licensing Committee of Islington Council was scheduled to discuss the delegation of licensing functions and the appointment of sub-committees. The committee was also provided with minutes from a previous meeting held on 13 November 2025, which included discussions on the Draft Islington Gambling Policy 2026-28 and Islington's Experience Economy.

Delegation of Licensing Functions

The committee was scheduled to consider urgent non-exempt items, specifically the delegation of licensing functions. The report pack indicated that this item was to be considered by reason of special circumstances, with the reasons for urgency to be agreed by the Chair and recorded in the minutes.

Appointment of Licensing Sub-Committees

A key item for decision was the appointment of the Licensing Sub-Committees for the 2026/2027 period.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee was presented with the minutes from the Licensing Committee meeting held on 13 November 2025. These minutes detailed discussions on two significant topics:

Draft Islington Gambling Policy 2026-28

The previous meeting had discussed the Draft Islington Gambling Policy 2026-28. The report pack noted that this policy is renewed every three years and takes effect after Full Council approval. During the discussion, it was highlighted that the policy aimed to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, with a particular focus on Gambling Vulnerability Zones where applications could be challenged more robustly. The consultation process for gambling applications involved ward councillors, residents, and responsible authorities. The report pack also mentioned that the Council had been advocating for legislative changes with the London Borough of Brent regarding the aim to permit gambling establishments, which a Legal Officer clarified was an aim and not a presumption to grant. Members sought the re-inclusion of a reference to Planning Policy R8 into the draft policy. Support for those struggling with online gambling addiction was available through the borough's access hubs. The report pack indicated that local authorities could refuse applications if conditions could not protect the public from harm, and that decisions should be made with the confidence of court backing. The committee was to consider endorsing the Draft Islington Gambling Policy 2026-28, subject to an amendment to include reference to Planning Policy R8.

Islington's Experience Economy: How Culture, Creative and Night-Time Economies Can Support Inclusive Growth

The committee had also received a presentation on Islington's Experience Economy, focusing on how culture, creative, and night-time economies can support inclusive growth. The report pack indicated that the Greater London Authority (GLA) had expressed a desire for licensing authorities to possess the tools to help local economies thrive. The creative and experience economies were identified as significant contributors to the borough's economy and employment base. Discussions touched upon addressing career pathways and misconceptions about required skills within these sectors. The Local Economies team was supporting businesses through a challenging economic climate with rising costs. An increase in complaints regarding pub opening hours was noted, with officers seeking to balance business support and resident concerns. The late-night levy was identified as a fund that the Council could leverage more, and discussions were ongoing regarding an inclusive approach to the economy. The Council had built strong relationships with the borough's business improvement districts (BIDs).

Regarding Arsenal football matches at the Emirates Stadium, it was observed that visitors for men's games arrived earlier and stayed later compared to women's matches, and the Council was exploring ways to encourage attendees of women's matches to extend their stay to boost the local economy. Positive feedback from businesses regarding the Licensing team's support was noted. Regular late-night levy meetings were confirmed, with Hackney Nights being a recent discussion point. Through LIFT Futures, the Council supported apprenticeships and brokered paid placements with creative industries. Opportunities were identified for signposting new businesses to social value initiatives during licence applications. The late-night levy's structure, based on rateable value, was discussed, along with its reinvestment into making the late-night economy safe. Studies on parking exemptions were mentioned, with officers confident this was not a long-term solution except for loading bays. Initiatives to attract visitors to local areas were being trialled, including discussions about an evening offer at Chapel Market and broadening the offer at Whitecross Market. Members welcomed proposals to diversify Whitecross Market, noting its performance and the impact of hybrid working. The provision of toilets for market traders was also discussed. The market trading fee was ringfenced for market improvements.

A study on the Finsbury Park town centre economy indicated that 39% of spend occurred during night-time hours (6pm to 6am). Research on women's safety in Wells Terrace and Blackstock Road suggested that crime was falling despite perceptions. The Angel BID was aiming to establish Angel as an international destination. The report pack highlighted the need for political choices regarding markets to ensure a broad and effective offer, and the underused space at Islington Square was identified as a potential opportunity. The key takeaway was for policymakers to collaborate with ward councillors for local context. Actions were noted for officers to consider approaches to We Work spaces, share a presentation on markets and placemaking, follow up with ward members regarding concerns about Finsbury Park Town Centre and Whitecross Market, and provide data on creative businesses lost in Islington over the preceding decade. The presentation was noted by the committee.

Work Programme 2025-26

The committee was informed that there were no remaining items on its work programme for the 2025-26 municipal year. Members and officers were invited to bring forward any matters they felt the committee should consider before the end of the municipal year.