The Wiltshire Council Licensing Committee met on Monday 19 January 2026, with councillors receiving updates on various licensing matters and reviewing minutes from previous sub-committee meetings. Key discussions included the progress of the Passenger Transport Team, updates from the Police and Taxi Licensing Teams, and a comprehensive report from the Public Protection Licensing Team.

Updates from Council Teams

The committee received an update from the Passenger Transport Team, noting a continued rise in the number of students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requiring transport. While the rate of increase has slowed, it is expected to continue for the next two years. The government's pledge of £3 billion investment to create 50,000 new SEND places is anticipated to help stem the flow of young people receiving education away from their locality, potentially reducing the number of SEND students on transport over time. A recent procurement exercise for approximately 40 taxi contracts saw positive competition, indicating an increase in providers registering for Wiltshire Council contracts, although sourcing appropriate providers in the west and north of the county remains more challenging. Councillors expressed disappointment that a representative from the Passenger Transport Team was unable to attend the meeting to answer questions.

The Police Licensing Officers provided an update, with Richard Tottle reporting a smooth Christmas period and progress in establishing Pubwatch meetings, with 11 now set up in his areas.

The Taxi Licensing Team reported on staffing changes, including the appointment of Dan Farr as Principal Compliance Officer and the return of Jo Hulbert as a Compliance Officer. Two new Compliance Assistants have also joined the team. The team is collaborating with Dorset Council, Somerset Council, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils on a unified licensing policy across the Wessex area, which will include a shared fit and proper person policy and consistent driver and vehicle conditions. Licensing officers will be authorised by all four authorities to conduct safety checks on licensed vehicles operating within Wiltshire.

A significant development is that UBER has now been granted a private hire operator licence by Wiltshire Council, establishing a registered office in Chippenham and intending to use Wiltshire-licensed vehicles. This is expected to lead to an increase in applications for driver and vehicle licences. The team provided statistics showing 844 licensed vehicles and 789 licensed drivers. Between October and December 2025, 429 vehicle inspection appointments were completed, with a low failure rate. Driver applications were averaging eight new applicants per week, and the team received an average of 30 emails per working day. Several cases are awaiting court, including an appeal against a revocation scheduled for January 2026.

The Public Protection Licensing Team reported on various activities. While no Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) meetings were scheduled for December 2025, applications for large-scale events in 2026 are being received. The team is continuing to address technical issues with the MyWilts platform to improve digital accessibility. Annual premises licence fees are now issued via email with an online payment link, leading to more prompt payments. Between April 2025 and January 2026, 1,794 Temporary Event Notice (TEN) applications were received, with over 70% submitted online. The team also received 66 premises licence applications, 195 personal licence applications, and 406 small society lottery applications. Licensing officers underwent legal training in November 2025, covering prosecutions, interviews under caution, and advocacy skills, and also completed Primate Licensing training.

There are currently 34 premises in Wiltshire licensed under the Gambling Act 2005. A four-week inspection programme was completed, and a new Risk-Based Inspection Scheme has been introduced in partnership with Public Health to address gambling-related harm. The team refused a licence renewal for an animal boarding establishment due to persistent non-compliance. Communications regarding new primate legislation have begun, with one Primate Licence inspection completed. A review of the premises licence for 7 Days, 7 Wicker Hill, Trowbridge resulted in the licence being revoked, with an appeal hearing scheduled for January 2026. The application for GemFest at Charlton Park, Malmesbury was granted with reduced hours and additional conditions. It was also noted that Licensing Officers would no longer attend pre-briefing sessions for Licensing Sub Committee hearings, following legal advice to ensure transparency and impartiality.

Licensing Appeals and Sub-Committee Minutes

The committee received an update on a pending Licensing Sub Committee appeal concerning the premises 7 Days Trowbridge Ltd. Following a closure order and subsequent licence revocation by the Western Area Licensing Sub Committee, the Premises Licence Holder lodged an appeal, with the first hearing set for 23 January 2026 to determine the timetable for the final hearing.

The minutes of the Eastern Area Licensing Sub Committee meeting held on 22 October 2025, concerning an application for a Premises Licence for the Bromham Community Hub, New Road, Bromham, were approved and signed.

Future Meetings

Members noted the dates of future Licensing Committee meetings scheduled for 16 March, 22 June, 14 September, and 7 December 2026, all commencing at 10:30 am.