The Licensing Committee of Ealing Council met on Thursday, 8 October 2026, to discuss alcohol-related harm and receive an update on licensing policy and enforcement. The meeting featured a presentation from Claire Brighton, Ealing's drug and alcohol programme manager, highlighting the significant impact of alcohol harm on the borough's communities, particularly among Punjabi and Eastern European residents. The committee also reviewed the Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update Report, which detailed licensing decisions and ongoing enforcement activities.

Presentation on Alcohol-Related Harm

Claire Brighton, Ealing's drug and alcohol programme manager, presented a comprehensive overview of alcohol-related harm within the borough. She highlighted that Ealing has really high rates of prevalence for alcohol dependency, with an estimated 3,639 residents struggling with dependency. Despite the service working with 936 people in structured treatment and 392 in early engagement, Brighton noted that only 18% of those estimated to have a problem are currently in treatment, which is on a par with the English average.

Brighton expressed particular concern over Ealing's alcohol-related hospital admissions, stating, For London, we are the poster child for these. Ours are going up all the time. We are either the worst or the second worst in London. She detailed how alcohol consumption is linked to various cancers, liver cirrhosis, and heart failure, and that the impact of current drinking habits will not be seen in health statistics for maybe 10, 15, 20 years.

The presentation also shed light on the specific challenges faced by different communities. For the Punjabi community, a BBC study from 2018, still cited in publications, found that 27% of British Sikhs reported having someone in their family with an alcohol problem. Dr. Gurbrit Panu, a consultant psychiatrist, was quoted stating that the community is still in denial and that biologically susceptible to alcohol damage, is that there are more deaths overall related to alcohol use. The cultural embedding of alcohol in celebrations and the strong taboo around discussing alcohol problems were identified as significant barriers to seeking help.

For the Eastern European community, particularly Polish residents, the presentation highlighted a case study of a 42-year-old woman who struggled with alcohol dependence, depression, and anxiety stemming from past trauma. The case illustrated how late night alcohol access is one contributing factor for relapse.

Brighton also shared the perspective of a long-established outreach worker in Southall who works with homeless and rough sleeping populations. This worker emphasised the vulnerability of individuals with no recourse to public funds, who are often unable to access benefits and rely on cash in hand work. The constant presence and availability of alcohol in areas like Southall were described as a significant challenge for those trying to recover. The worker's poignant statement, A licensing decision may take minutes to make, but its consequences can be lived for years, underscored the profound impact of licensing decisions on individuals and communities.

The presentation concluded with questions from councillors. Councillor Jon Ball asked what measures could make the most difference, to which Brighton suggested considering the necessity of new licenses, the impact of early opening hours, and the value these premises offer to the community. Councillor Rabia Nasimi inquired about preventative work and culturally sensitive information, prompting Brighton to explain the service's efforts in primary care, community groups, and schools. Isabella Gregory, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (Acting), advised the committee to scrutinise applications in special policy areas to prevent adding to negative cumulative impact. Councillor Valery Ryan drew a distinction between licensed restaurants that enhance community life and off-licences that may contribute to misery, a point echoed by Councillor Kim Kaur Nagpal regarding the challenges of online alcohol retailers and cumulative impact.

Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update Report

Graeme Edwards, Licensing Compliance and Enforcement Team Leader, presented the report, which covered the period from June 2026 to September 2026. He reported that during this period, six new premises licenses were determined, with five granted and one refused. Two licence reviews were also concluded, one resulting in a suspension and the other with additional conditions. Temporary Event Notices had been quiet during this period.

Edwards detailed specific licensing decisions, including the suspension of a licence for AKP Retailer in Northolt for four weeks, with modified conditions. Majestic Wine in Warpole ward, Tiger Bay in Hangar Hill ward, and Doreen's in Pitshanger Lane were granted licences, with Tiger Bay and Doreen's receiving amended or additional conditions. Reviews of Sethi Food & Wine in Southall Green resulted in added conditions, while Bajaj Food & Wine in North Acton was granted as applied for. Café Zee in Ealing Broadway was granted with amended hours and conditions, and Hot Birdies in Southall Broadway was refused.

The report also highlighted the work of the Licensing Compliance and Enforcement Team, which had increased its capacity with the recruitment of two new officers. The team conducted 28 inspections of premises in the late-night economy, identifying two premises operating without a licence and two operating beyond permitted hours. Enforcement proceedings were being progressed where appropriate.

Significant multi-agency work was also detailed, including joint operations with the Metropolitan Police Service, Trading Standards, HMRC, and the Immigration Service. The report noted an increase in interaction with the Immigration Service, which had become a responsible authority in 2017, leading to intelligence reports on venues potentially employing illegal workers.

A major operation, Operation Lynchpin, conducted at Charles House Trading Estate in Southall, a recognised centre for illicit goods, resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of non-compliant vaping products, nicotine products, counterfeit goods, toys, and perfumes. The quantities seized included 46,970 non-compliant vapes, 2,189 vape cartridges, and 15,737 non-compliant toys. Isabella Gregory explained the challenges in disposing of these seized goods due to ongoing legal proceedings and the need for secure storage.

Councillors raised questions about the disposal of illicit goods, the scope of enforcement to include unlicensed premises, and the nature of seized items. Councillor Jon Ball inquired about the partnership with Trading Standards for unlicensed premises, and Graham Edwards confirmed that the licensing enforcement team's remit extends to unlicensed premises and that they work closely with Trading Standards. Councillor Flora MacLoughlin asked whether seized goods were predominantly dangerous or counterfeit, with Edwards explaining it was a mix, including non-duty paid tobacco and counterfeit vaping products and medication. Councillor Rabia Nasimi asked about preventative work at Charles House and support for compliant businesses, to which Gregory responded that Operation Lynchpin includes advice alongside enforcement, but that businesses often close upon the arrival of enforcement officers. Councillor Hersch asked about the impact of storage capacity on enforcement visits, and Isabella Gregory confirmed that it could delay or reduce visits, and that the council was actively seeking solutions.

The meeting concluded with thanks to Claire Brighton and the presentation of the Licensing Policy Hearing and Enforcement Update Report.