The Licensing Committee convened to discuss several key items, including the establishment of licensing subcommittees, the late-night levy, and a review of prosecutions and appeals. Councillor Suluk Ahmed was appointed Vice Chair of the Committee for the year. The committee also noted its terms of reference, membership, and quorum for the municipal year 2025-2026.

Late Night Levy Annual Review

The committee reviewed the annual report for the late-night levy for the financial year 2024-2025. The late-night levy, implemented in Tower Hamlets on 1 January 2018, requires licensed premises selling alcohol between midnight and 6:00 AM to contribute to the costs of managing the late-night economy.

Ibrahim Hussain, Licensing Officer, presented the report, highlighting that the total income from the levy for the year was £294,347. This revenue is used to support nighttime economy safety initiatives. An agreement with the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime (MOPAC) allows the council to retain 100% of the revenue, which is then allocated through the Community Safety Partnership (CSP).

Initiatives funded by the levy included:

• Additional police serial patrols: £139,739.96
• Street pastor patrols: £59,978.98
• Street cleaning: £50,000
• Portable urinals: £60,250
• Welfare vulnerability engagement (WAVE) training: £3,900
• Conflict management training: £727

The report detailed the outcomes of these initiatives, including a reduction in crime and disorder, assistance to vulnerable individuals, and improved street cleanliness.

Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of Licensing Committee, raised concerns about the removal of portable urinals, particularly in the Brick Lane area, questioning the rationale behind their removal given the persistent issue of public urination.

In response, officers explained that the urinals were removed due to decreased demand and a reallocation of funds towards increased police patrols and WAVE training. They also mentioned a Go Before You Go campaign to encourage people to use restroom facilities before leaving venues.

Councillor Gaz Rabdi requested that future reports include like-for-like data from previous years to better gauge the effectiveness of the levy. He also inquired about the impact of cuts to the street pastor service and the training provided to officers regarding hate crime and support for the LGBT community.

Officers clarified that the street pastors had not been funded this year due to budget constraints, with the majority of funds being allocated to the police. They also stated that the police contract includes a requirement for officers to be trained in WAVE, which covers elements of violence against women and girls, sexual harassment, hate crime, and vulnerability, including LGBTQ+ issues.

Councillor Mina Ali raised concerns about the vulnerability of trans women and street workers, asking whether they receive the same protection. Officers responded that the police's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) car aims to prevent crime and support vulnerable individuals, including trans people.

Councillor Ali also asked about how venues are being supported to protect vulnerable people inside clubs and bars. Officers responded that WAVE training is provided to businesses, and the council's licensing policy addresses vulnerability.

Councillor Ali also raised concerns about the council having to draw from its reserves to fund the initiatives. Officers responded that the council aims to break even every year, and that the reserves had built up during the pandemic when the late night economy was closed but the levy was still being paid.

Prosecutions and Appeals Report

Jonathan Melnick, Principal Lawyer, presented the prosecutions and appeals report, covering Quarter 4 2023/24 and Quarters 1-3 2024/25. The report provided details of completed licensing-related prosecutions and appeals.

Mr Melnick highlighted the importance of following the code for crown prosecutors and ensuring that prosecution decisions are made independently by legal services. He noted that the council had secured convictions in every concluded case during the reporting period.

The report included details of several prosecutions under the Licensing Act 2003, as well as cases involving underage sales of alcohol and breaches of special treatment licences.

Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of Licensing Committee, expressed concern over the low fines imposed in some cases, particularly for underage sales of alcohol, compared to other offences. He suggested discussing the issue with local government lawyers.

Mr Melnick explained that sentencing is at the discretion of the court and is based on sentencing guidelines, which take into account factors such as the offender's means and the severity of the offence.

Councillor Potral Chandra inquired about a case involving Troxy London Ltd, where a refusal of a premises licence was settled by consent. Mr Melnick explained that settling the appeal was in the council's best interests, as the premises was already licensed and the settlement included improved conditions.

Councillor Choundry asked whether the fines for underage sales of alcohol were similar to those in neighbouring councils. Mr Melnick responded that he did not have specific figures but expected similar outcomes in Thames Magistrates Court, where neighbouring boroughs also prosecute cases.

Councillor Shubo Hussain asked about the costs associated with a judicial review involving Club Oops, where the licence was reinstated. Mr Melnick stated that he could not disclose the costs as the matter was still ongoing.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed inquired about the analysis of trends in prosecutions and preventive work. Mr Lewis responded that the council does not currently have any analysis, but that he is working with a team to look at monitoring and analysis.

Councillor Amina Ali asked about the difference in fines for unauthorised licensable activity in two separate cases. Mr Melnick explained that the fines are based on the offender's means and the circumstances of the offence.

Other Matters

The committee also addressed the following items:

• Terms of Reference, Membership, and Quorum: The committee noted its terms of reference, membership, and quorum for the municipal year 2025-2026.
• Establishment of Licensing Subcommittees: The committee agreed to establish licensing subcommittees and appointed subcommittee chairs. The licensing subcommittees are responsible for determining applications under the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005 where representations have been made.