The Hackney Council Licensing Committee convened to discuss and approve several key items, including the Late Night Levy's financial performance and future strategies, and the establishment of licensing sub-committees for the upcoming year. Councillor Gilbert Smyth was noted as Chair and Councillor Richard Lufkin as Vice Chair. The committee approved recommendations regarding the Late Night Levy annual financial report, the Late Night Levy Year 8 Quarter 1 update, and the establishment of five licensing sub-committees for 2025/26.

Late Night Levy Financial Report 2024/2025

The Licensing Committee reviewed and approved the annual financial report for the Late Night Levy ¹ for 2024/2025. Total receipts for the year amounted to £320,356, compared to £479,395 in the previous year. A balance of £111,487 was carried over from 2023/2024, and the council received £5,000 in contributions towards the City of London Campaign (Women’s Safety Charter).

Expenditure for the year included:

• £11,250 on training and event costs
• £943 on design, website, and printing costs
• £249,596 on salaries, recruitment, equipment, and administration
• £5,000 on Hackney Nights and strategy work
• £15,663 on a medical assistance program for first responders
• £181,000 on policing provided by the Metropolitan Police, covering January to September 2024

The report noted that £143,066 would be carried over into 2025/2026. The forecasted budget for 2025/2026 includes £250,000 for police, £5,000 for training and events, £10,000 for design and advertising, £152,700 for salaries, £25,000 for Hackney Nights and special deployments, and £8,000 for an intelligence hub.

The report concluded that while normal expenditure patterns had resumed following the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in certain service provisions would be necessary in 2025/2026 due to an anticipated decrease in revenue.

Late Night Levy Year 8, Quarter 1 Update

The Licensing Committee also reviewed and approved the Year 8, Quarter 1 update for the Late Night Levy. Total receipts for the quarter amounted to £81,933, bringing the year-to-date amount to £447,947. A total of 212 nightlife and security staff were trained during the quarter, and 273 engagement visits and advice sessions were conducted across the borough. Noise reports decreased, with 143 alerts issued compared to 196 in the previous quarter, and four planning alerts were issued to notify venues of new applications in their vicinity.

The Hackney Nights portal ² saw one new accredited venue, bringing the total to 52, and one additional sign-up. Hackney Nights collaborated with the Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS) on joint visits to venues to distribute information regarding Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). They also partnered with Hackney Youth to carry out stencilling projects in areas identified by young people as uncomfortable or unsafe.

The Late Night Levy Board met in January, discussing trading during the Christmas period and agreeing on current and future spending plans.

Establishment of Licensing Sub-Committees 2025/26

The Licensing Committee approved the establishment of five sub-committees (A-E) for the municipal year 2025/2026. These sub-committees will handle licensing, certification, and registration functions. Membership will be drawn from the wider Licensing Committee based on availability, and the sub-committees will not be subject to political balance rules.

The sub-committees are responsible for matters relating to the Licensing Act 2003, with the aim of promoting the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. They consider applications for new and existing licenses, including those for the sale of alcohol, public entertainment, and late-night refreshment. Their functions are also governed by the Gambling Act 2005, Schedule 3 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, and Part II of the London Local Authorities Act 1991.

The report noted that all committee members are required to undertake annual training, and new members will receive further training before sitting on sub-committees. Licensing hearings may be held remotely, subject to consideration of fairness to all parties under Article 6 EHCR.