The Licensing Committee of Ealing Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 16 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a discussion on the implementation of new regulations for keeping primates and an update on the council's licensing policy and enforcement activities.

Implementation of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024

A significant item on the agenda is the implementation of the Animal Welfare (Primate Licences) (England) Regulations 2024. These regulations, which came into full effect on 6 April 2026, establish a mandatory licensing framework for the private keeping of primates in England. It is now an offence to keep a primate without a licence issued by the local authority. The council, acting as the licensing authority, will be responsible for determining applications, arranging specialist inspections, and undertaking enforcement action. The report scheduled for discussion seeks approval for the proposed licence fee structure and governance arrangements necessary for the council to fulfil these statutory responsibilities. The proposed fees are based on a full cost recovery model, excluding anticipated enforcement costs, and reflect the specialist nature of primate inspections, which will be outsourced to the City of London Corporation.

Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update

The committee is also scheduled to receive an update on the council's licensing policy and enforcement activities. This report will provide an overview of licensing decisions made between 1 April 2026 and 31 May 2026. It will summarise licensing activity under the Licensing Act 2003 for the 2025-2026 financial year, including the number of new premises licence applications, decisions made by the Licensing Sub-Committee, and reviews of premises licences. The report will also detail enforcement activities, such as inspections of off-licensed premises, late-night economy enforcement, test purchase operations, and seizures of illicit goods. Furthermore, it will cover business engagement, prevention initiatives like the WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerable Engagement) training and the Ask for Angela safeguarding scheme, and the gambling premises inspection programme. The update will also touch upon the emerging London Strategic Licensing Policy, which aims to introduce a broader strategic framework for London boroughs.

The meeting will also address the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 15 April 2026.