The Licensing Committee convened to discuss animal welfare, revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy, and legislative updates, and to ratify previous sub-committee decisions. The committee reviewed proposed administrative revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy, including updates on counter-terrorism measures and safeguarding initiatives, and provided feedback. Members also received an update on changes to national licensing guidance, including provisions for off-sales and spiking prevention, and discussed gambling regulations and local authority control over gambling premises.

Animal Licensing and Welfare

The committee received a presentation on animal licensing and welfare, which outlined the statutory and discretionary powers held by officers under animal welfare and licensing legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and related regulations. The presentation covered the licensing framework for commercial activities involving animals, the application and inspection process, and the star rating system for licensed operators. Enforcement procedures, penalties for non-compliance, and investigatory channels for unlicensed operators were also described. The presentation included case studies illustrating enforcement in practice, such as investigations into unlicensed dog breeding and the rescue of an abandoned pony. The presentation also highlighted the challenges faced by the team, including limited resources, complex legislation, and increasing public expectation.

Statement of Licensing Policy

The committee considered proposed revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy, which were primarily administrative and aimed at improving clarity, efficiency, and customer service. The revisions included updated dates, team names, and typographical corrections, as well as new sections on topics such as environmental best practice, counter-terrorism, spiking, the 'Ask For Angela' initiative¹, and pavement licensing. The committee acknowledged the timetable for policy implementation and the benefits for residents in maintaining an effective licensing framework.

Councillor Darran Davies, Chair of Licensing Committee invited the committee to comment on the updated draft policy, ahead of consideration by the cabinet.

The committee discussed the 'Ask for Angela' initiative, confirming its formal incorporation into the draft Statement of Licensing Policy as a key safeguarding measure. New applicants are being encouraged to adopt it, and existing licensed premises will be monitored for compliance.

The committee also discussed Temporary Event Notices (TENs), gambling establishments in the Hayes Town area, and options available should the government decide to amend relevant legislation, including the potential introduction of quotas.

The committee resolved to consider the revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy and provide comments to be considered by Cabinet at the end of the consultation period.

Legislative and Industry Update

The committee received an update on recent legislative, case law, and industry news. The update included changes to statutory guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, including provisions for off-sales, spiking prevention, and reinforcement of licensing objectives. The report summarised the work of the Licensing Taskforce, which had made priority recommendations for national consistency, licence modernisation, and reforms to pavement licensing and temporary event notices.

The committee was informed of the Greater London Authority's (GLA) proposal to devolve licensing powers and the development of a pilot scheme for strategic licensing reform. Updates on the Gambling Act 2005 included the introduction of the Gambling Levy Regulations, new stake limits for online slot games, and the formation of a local authority coalition advocating for greater control over gambling premises. Hillingdon Council's recent motion to join this coalition was highlighted, reflecting its commitment to responsible regulation.

The committee requested a review of the history of gambling machines located airside at Heathrow Airport, with an update to be provided to members. It was agreed that details regarding the number of legal cases initiated and completed within the past 24 months would be reported, along with information on any cases that may not have been captured. Over the last five years, the Licensing Sub-Committee had considered 55 applications.

The committee acknowledged the mediation efforts undertaken to resolve matters prior to referral to the Licensing Sub-Committee and commended officers for their work.

The committee resolved to note the report.

Committee Forward Planner

The committee noted the forward planner as set out on the agenda.

Ratification of Sub Committee Minutes

The committee ratified the minutes of the following sub-committee meetings:

• 21 October 2024 - Application For The Grant Of A Premises Licence: Daman Food & Wine, 6 Dawley Parade, Dawley Road, Hayes UB3 1EA
• 22 November 2024 - Application For The Grant Of A New Temporary Street Trading Licence: Europa Furniture, 77 Victoria Road, Ruislip HA4 9BH
• 9 January 2025 - Application To Review The Premises Licence For Khaneja Food & Booze, 1-2 The Arcade, 276-277 High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1LQ
• 24 January 2025 - Application For The Grant Of A Premises Licence: Mandala Restaurant And Lounge, Carter House, Colham Mill Road, West Drayton, UB77AE
• 26 February 2025 - Application For The Grant Of A Premises Licence: H & H, News & Wine, 6-10, High Street, Harefield UB9 6BU
• 14 March 2025 - Application For The Grant Of A Premises Licence: Mcdonalds, 22/24 Station Road, Hayes, UB3 4DA
• 16 April 2025 - Application For The Grant Of A Premises Licence: S&K News, 64 Byron Way, West Drayton, UB79JD
• 21 May 2025 (meeting adjourned from 24 April 2025) - Resumed Hearing: Application For The Variation Of A Premises Licence: Prince Of Wales, 1 Harlington Road, Hillingdon, UB8 3HX
• 14 August 2025 - Application For The Grant Of A New Premises Licence For Pepe's Piri Piri, 3 Byron Parade, Uxbridge Road, Uxbridges