The Regulatory Committee of Richmond upon Thames Council met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss the extension of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and a proposed revision to the Statement of Licensing Policy. The committee agreed to recommend the extension of PSPOs concerning antisocial behaviour and dog control to Full Council, and approved the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for public consultation.

Extension of Public Spaces Protection Orders

The committee considered the consultation results for the extension of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (Antisocial Activity) and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Public Spaces Protection Order 2023 (Dog Control). These orders were due to expire in September 2026.

Matt Almond, Parks Operation Manager, and Sasha O'Neill, Parks Officer, presented the report, highlighting that public consultation showed strong support for renewing both orders. The core structure of the orders would remain unchanged, with targeted amendments made where specific concerns were raised, particularly regarding the wording around power-driven aircraft and drones in Article 13. The committee agreed to recommend to Full Council that both PSPOs be extended for a further three years, from 22 September 2026.

A key decision was to recommend an increase in the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) fee for breaches of the PSPOs to £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days, aligning with benchmarking against neighbouring boroughs. The committee also recommended delegating authority to the Executive Director of Resident Services, in consultation with the Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, to vary the FPN fee following new powers expected under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.

During the discussion, Councillor Jonathan Cardy raised a query about the specific boundaries of Petersham Meadows and whether the adjacent towpath was included. It was clarified that the towpath is not part of Petersham Meadows itself. Councillor Anton McNulty-Howard questioned the wording regarding the killing of animals in Article 14, specifically if there was a minimum size of animal covered, such as mosquitoes. Officers explained that the approach to enforcement is proportionate, focusing on engagement and education before enforcement, and that reasonableness is a key consideration under PSPO legislation. Councillor James Chard noted that while there was strong support for the PSPOs, some respondents felt they were not effective, and asked about future enforcement focus. Officers outlined that the enforcement approach remains consistent: engage, educate, and then enforce, with resources focused on areas of concern based on intelligence received from community groups and residents.

Proposed Revised Statement of Licensing Policy

Sumit Anand, Lead Licensing Officer, and Sarah Quinn, Head of Commercial Regulation, presented the proposed revised Statement of Licensing Policy, which covers the period from February 2027 to February 2032. The review was prompted by amendments to Section 182 guidance and the need to ensure the policy remains current and reflects legislative changes.

Key proposed changes include:

• A dedicated section on alcohol-related public health concerns.
• Additional guidance on equality and human rights considerations.
• New guidance for white-collar boxing, charity boxing, and outdoor events.
• Inclusion of Ask for Angela and violence against women and girls initiatives.
• Guidance on counter-terrorism measures and generator environmental impact.
• Safeguards for alcohol deliveries and age verification.

A significant proposed change is the replacement of existing cumulative impact zones (CIZs) in Richmond Town Centre and Twickenham Town Centre with Areas of Special Interest and Consultation. While initially mirroring the existing CIZs, the consultation will seek views on potential additional areas, including Whitton, Richmond Green, and Richmond Riverside. The fundamental requirement for applicants to demonstrate how they will promote licensing objectives and mitigate potential impacts will remain.

The committee was asked to approve the draft policy for consultation, with a further report to be submitted in October following the consultation period. Councillor Phil Giesler expressed confusion and concern about the shift from CIZs to Areas of Special Interest, questioning the clarity and rationale behind the change. He noted that CIZs in Richmond Town Centre appeared effective and were based on a presumption against approving new licences, which he felt was being lost.

Officers explained that Areas of Special Interest would allow for a broader evidence base beyond just blue light evidence, incorporating community safety data and residential concerns. This would widen the evidence base for decision-making. Councillor Jonathan Cardy raised concerns about the lack of definition for these new areas and the potential for confusion during consultation.

Following extensive discussion, an amendment was agreed to clarify the approach. Instead of replacing the existing CIZs, the policy would propose consulting on both the existing CIZs and the concept of Areas of Special Interest. This would allow for a more nuanced approach, potentially designating specific areas as having special interest without necessarily removing the existing CIZ framework. Councillor Lesley Pollesche welcomed the inclusion of the Ask for Angela policy as a standard condition for licensing applications. Councillor James Chard also raised a process question regarding the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill and how it would be incorporated into the licensing policy. Officers indicated this would likely be addressed in a separate policy.

The committee agreed to delegate the final approval of the consultation document to the Chair, taking into account the discussions and amendments made. The committee also noted that a further report would be submitted following the consultation.