The Licensing Committee of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss the draft Statement of Licensing Policy and review recent licensing appeals. The committee noted the ongoing consultation for the new licensing policy and received updates on several licensing appeals, some of which were withdrawn and others remain pending.

Consideration of Draft Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee received a report on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2026, which is currently undergoing public consultation. Richard Cressey, Director of Policy and Strategy, and Robin Grey, Principal Licensing Policy Officer, explained that the review was necessary to ensure an up-to-date policy by the statutory deadline of 1 October 2026. The draft policy is not a fundamental overhaul but aims to improve accessibility and usability, with guidance separated into a standalone Good Operator Guide. Key changes include updated Home Office guidance, a revised structure by licence type, new policies for temporary event and personal licences, strengthened references to preventing violence against women and girls, and improved operational guidance.

Members welcomed the commitment to more frequent policy reviews and suggested an annual review be incorporated into the committee's work programme. They also sought clarification on how the policy's effectiveness would be monitored, with officers explaining it would be assessed through licensing appeals, crime data, and business indicators. Discussions also covered the alignment between planning and licensing functions, the intention to support economic activity before 10:00 pm, and the development of the Good Operator Guide. Members raised points regarding the prominence of violence against women and girls initiatives and the impact of policing resources.

The committee resolved to note the draft policy and consultation process, support more frequent reviews, welcome the simplification and restructuring of the policy, and support continued work to improve alignment between planning and licensing. Further consideration was requested on safeguarding arrangements, the prominence of violence against women and girls measures, the clarity of drafting, and the impact of policing resources.

Update of Licensing Appeals

The committee received an update on licensing appeals and other significant legal matters. Legal Services had dealt with 14 licensing appeals since March 2025, with five settled, seven withdrawn, and six new appeals received, leaving six currently pending. Since Westminster assumed responsibility for licensing appeals in 2005, a total of 505 appeals had been received, with the vast majority determined, settled, or withdrawn. Westminster has maintained a strong record in defending Licensing Sub-Committee decisions.

Members requested clarification on the Council's approach to defending appeals and seeking legal costs. Mr Burnett, Legal Advisor, explained that each appeal is assessed on its merits, considering wider implications, likelihood of success, and costs. Defending decisions where wider licensing policies or principles could be affected was highlighted as particularly important. The committee noted that Counsel were regularly instructed to represent the Council at appeal hearings, with advice sought through conferences. Where appeals were withdrawn or dismissed, the Council would seek recovery of reasonable costs where appropriate.

The committee resolved to note the update on licensing appeals and requested that future reports present annual figures for appeals in a graph or pie chart format to assist in reviewing trends.

Any Other Business

The committee discussed issues relating to the Greater London Authority (GLA) potentially becoming a Responsible Authority and considered the possible implications of this change. Further updates were received on preparations for the Notting Hill Carnival and the forthcoming implementation of the revised Gambling Policy.

The meeting concluded at 7:23 pm.