The Regulatory Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss the potential extension of two Public Spaces Protection Orders and a review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy. The committee will consider proposals that could affect public spaces and the licensing of businesses within the borough.

Consultation on Public Spaces Protection Orders

The committee is scheduled to consider a report on the consultation regarding the extension of two existing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs): one concerning anti-social activity and the other concerning dog control. Both orders are due to expire on 21 September 2026.

The report outlines the results of a public consultation held between 4 February and 26 March 2026. The consultation sought views on renewing these orders for a further three-year period. The PSPOs are legal tools used by local authorities under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014¹ to address issues that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life in a locality.

The report recommends that the committee note the consultation results, agree to proposed changes to the wording of Article 13 of the anti-social behaviour order concerning power-driven aircraft, including drones, and recommend to Full Council that both orders be varied and extended. It also recommends recommending an increase to the Fixed Penalty Notice fee for breaches of the orders.

The consultation report, published as part of the public reports pack², indicates strong public support for renewing the PSPOs, with agreement levels typically exceeding 70% for anti-social behaviour measures and often above 90% for dog control measures. Common issues reported by respondents included nuisance cycling, dog fouling, and dogs not being under control. However, a significant proportion of respondents felt that the PSPOs had not been effective over the last three years.

Licensing Act 2003: Proposed Revised Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee is also scheduled to review the proposed revised Statement of Licensing Policy, which will cover the period from February 2027 to February 2032. This policy is required to be reviewed and re-published every five years under the Licensing Act 2003³.

The report seeks the committee's views on the proposed policy, including a significant change to how cumulative impact is addressed. Currently, the policy identifies cumulative impact areas or zones in Richmond Town Centre and Twickenham Town Centre. The proposed policy suggests replacing these with Areas of Special Interest and Consultation . This change is partly influenced by the impact of COVID-19 and updated guidance from the Secretary of State, which encourages a focus on promoting growth and economic benefits.

The proposed policy also includes updates to reflect legislative changes, such as the Policing and Crime Act 2017⁴ which introduced Cumulative Impact Assessments, and the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law)⁵. New sections are proposed covering areas such as violence against women and girls, the environmental impact of generators, and delivery services. The report recommends approving the draft policy for consultation.