The Licensing Committee of the City of London Council met on Wednesday 08 July 2026 to discuss the statutory review of the Statement of Licensing Policy and to receive updates on departmental progress and financial outturns. The meeting also included the review of delegated decisions and police reports.

Statutory Review of Statement of Licensing Policy

A significant item scheduled for discussion was the statutory review of the City of London's Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP) for 2027. This review is a mandatory five-yearly process required by the Licensing Act 2003. The report outlined the methodology and timeline for this review, which aims to ensure the SoLP remains current and fit for purpose. Key considerations for the revised policy include national and local legislative changes, such as Martyn's Law, the National Licensing Policy Framework, and the Mayor of London's Strategic Licensing Pilot. It also takes into account the City Corporation's Corporate Plan 2024-2029, the draft City Plan 2040, and strategies like Destination City and Noise. Emerging national and local initiatives concerning violence against women and girls (VAWG), drinking spiking, vulnerability, and accessibility were also noted as influences.

The report recommended that officers be authorised to carry out a statutory consultation on the revised SoLP for a minimum of eight weeks. The outcome of this consultation and the final draft of the SoLP were scheduled to be considered by the Committee on 19 October 2026, before formal adoption by the Court of Common Council on 3 December 2026. The timeline indicated that the revised SoLP would be published in January 2027.

Environment Department High-Level Business Plan 2025/26: Year-End Progress Report

The Committee was scheduled to receive a report on the year-end progress of the Environment Department's High-Level Business Plan for 2025/26, specifically focusing on the Licensing Service's performance. The report indicated that the Licensing Service had made good progress against its objectives, supporting the City Corporation's Corporate Plan and strategies such as Destination City. Highlights included the continued use of the online interactive map of licensed premises, an increase in Safety Thirst Accredited venues, and proactive preparations for the implementation of Martyn's Law. The report also noted that the drafting of a refreshed Street Trading Policy had been completed, with consultation and publication deferred to 2026/27.

Revenue Outturn 2025/26

A report detailing the revenue outturn for the services overseen by the Licensing Committee for the financial year 2025/26 was presented. The report indicated an overall underspending of £64,000 compared to the budget. This underspend was primarily attributed to additional income from pavement licences and increased temporary street trading applications, offset by an increase in legal fees related to prosecutions.

Delegated Decisions of the Executive Director Environment Pertaining to Premises Licences

The Committee was to receive a report outlining premises licences and variations granted under the Licensing Act 2003 by the Licensing Service between 1 March 2026 and 31 May 2026. This report did not include decisions made by Members at Licensing Sub-Committee hearings. The report also provided a summary of enforcement actions taken under various acts during the same period, along with data from the 'traffic light' risk scheme. Notable mediation efforts during this period included discussions regarding a proposed new premises licence for the Museum of London.

Minutes of the Licensing (Hearing) Sub-Committee

The Committee was scheduled to receive the public minutes of a licensing hearing held on 14 May 2026 concerning the premises Sense, located at 171-176 Aldersgate Street, EC1A 4HT. The minutes detailed the application for a premises licence and the representations made by other persons. The Sub-Committee considered the applicant's case, the concerns raised by residents regarding public nuisance, crime and disorder, and public safety, and ultimately determined that the licence should be granted with specific conditions attached. These conditions included requirements for CCTV, a dispersal policy, a Challenge 25 scheme, restrictions on music on the terrace, and limitations on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

City of London Police Quarterly Update - Q2 2026

A quarterly update from the Commissioner of Police regarding the City of London Police's activities in the second quarter of 2026 was scheduled to be received for information.

Other Items

The agenda also included items for the agreement of public minutes from a previous meeting, the appointment of sub-committee chairmen, and questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee. Provisions were also made for the exclusion of the public for the discussion of non-public minutes and other urgent business.