The Licensing Committee of Camden Council met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss the review of the Statement of Gambling Policy and Camden's Local Area Profile, and to receive an update on initiatives aimed at improving women's safety in the evening and night-time economy. The meeting also included a review of the committee's terms of reference and the minutes from a previous meeting.

Review of the Statement of Gambling Policy 2026-2029 and Camden's Local Area Profile

The committee was scheduled to consider a report detailing the review of Camden's Statement of Gambling Policy 2026-2029, undertaken in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005. This policy sets out how the council will exercise its functions in relation to gambling premises licences, permits, notices, and registrations. The report highlighted that gambling can have significant harmful impacts on individuals, families, and wider society, with an estimated annual cost of £1.4 billion in England related to issues such as suicide, homelessness, and financial hardship.

The draft policy has been updated to reflect current national guidance, clarify the role of the local area profile and operator risk assessments, and strengthen the council's response to gambling-related harm. The accompanying Camden Local Area Profile, updated in April 2026, provides an assessment of the borough's characteristics and identifies factors that may increase the risk of gambling-related harm. This includes evidence on deprivation, financial hardship, housing insecurity, homelessness, student populations, young adults, and health inequalities.

The report recommended that the committee consider and comment on the draft Statement of Gambling Policy 2026-2029 and the updated Camden Local Area Profile, and agree to a 12-week public consultation on both documents. The policy aims to provide a clear, evidence-led framework for decision-making, supporting proportionate regulation and clear expectations for operators. It aligns with Camden's broader strategies, including We Make Camden, the Evening and Night-Time Strategy, the Camden Local Plan, and the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, by supporting a strong, sustainable, and inclusive borough where everyone is safe.

Women's Safety in the Evening and Night-Time Economy and Licensing

The committee was also scheduled to receive an update on activities within Camden's evening and night-time economy, with a specific focus on the delivery of Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training. These initiatives are part of the wider Women's Safety in the Public Realm Action Plan and reflect the Camden Community Safety Partnership's commitment to tackling vulnerability and improving safety across licensed venues.

The report detailed Camden's ongoing commitment to improving the safety of women and girls, which is integrated into community safety efforts, licensing, public realm design, and the broader Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda. The Camden Women's Safety Action Plan, overseen by the Camden Community Safety Partnership Board, coordinates activity across key partners. Camden's Statement of Licensing Policy (2025-30) explicitly references women's safety, requiring safety statements from new applicants and using standardised licence conditions to encourage staff training, participation in schemes like 'Ask for Angela', and provisions for safe transport signage and welfare support.

The report highlighted the success of the WAVE training programme, which equips staff in licensed premises to identify vulnerability, intervene safely, and support individuals at risk. Since 2022, 296 venue training engagements have been completed, with over 600 staff trained since 2024. The training covers drink spiking awareness, the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, and Safe Havens. The report also provided an update on drink spiking incidents in Camden, noting a fall in reported incidents in 2025 but an increase in the first five months of 2026, indicating a potential rise for the year. The council's approach focuses on proactive prevention, staff training, and support for individuals at risk, including targeted awareness campaigns and the Camden Safety Bus. The report also detailed the establishment of Safe Havens across the borough, providing temporary refuge for individuals who feel unsafe.

The report concluded by outlining considerations for Licensing Committee members, emphasizing the expectation that applicants and licence holders demonstrate clear standards of operation in line with licensing objectives. It noted the widespread adoption of welfare and safety measures, such as 'Ask for Angela' and WAVE training, and highlighted that licensing decisions can reinforce good practice through proportionate and appropriate conditions.

Other Scheduled Business

The committee was also scheduled to note the committee's terms of reference and approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2026.