The Licensing Committee of Redbridge Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss the establishment of a Licensing Sub-Committee and to receive an update on the Licensing Service's activities. The meeting's agenda also included provisions for public questions and the consideration of any other business.

Establishment of the Licensing Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to consider the formal establishment of a Licensing Sub-Committee, a requirement under Section 9 of the Licensing Act 2003. The report outlined recommendations for the sub-committee's composition, proposing it could comprise three members of the Licensing Committee. Operational procedures for convening meetings were also to be discussed, including consulting members on availability, selecting three members proportionally, and ensuring members do not serve if the premises in question is within their ward. The report highlighted that the work of the Licensing Sub-Committee would help safeguard children and young people on licensed premises.

Licensing Service Update

A comprehensive update on the Licensing Service's activities between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 was scheduled for discussion. This included data on applications received under the Licensing Act 2003, covering new premises, variations, licence reviews, and personal licences, as well as Temporary Event Notices (TENs). The report detailed the outcomes of determinations made by the Licensing Sub-Committee for various application types, including grants, partial grants, rejections, and revocations.

The update also covered applications processed under other legislation, such as the London Local Authorities Act 1990, the Business and Planning Act 2020, the Animal Welfare Regulations 2018, the Gambling Act 2005, the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and the Explosives Regulations 2014. Enforcement activities undertaken by the service were also to be reviewed, including licence representations, warning notices, advisory notices, and inspections.

Significant upcoming changes and future planning were also on the agenda. This included the restructuring of the Met Police Licensing Teams, which has resulted in a reduction of police resources available for licensing matters. The report also detailed proposed London Licensing Reforms, which would grant the Greater London Authority (GLA) new powers, including setting a licensing policy for Greater London and 'call in' powers on licence applications of strategic importance. Furthermore, the impending Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products, was to be discussed. The report noted that the associated regulations and guidance for this bill were yet to be released.

Finally, the update was set to cover upcoming policy work, including the refreshing of the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for the Licensing Act 2003, which is required by March 2028, and the development of a new Statement of Gambling Policy, which expires in April 2028.