The Licensing Committee of the Isles of Scilly Council was scheduled to discuss proposed updates to the council's Licensing Policy and Street Trading Policy. The meeting agenda included a review of the minutes from the previous meeting and consideration of urgent items, though none were noted.

Licensing Policy for the Isles of Scilly

The committee was scheduled to consider the draft Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This policy is required every five years under the Licensing Act 2003 and outlines the council's approach to licensing functions. The report detailed the statutory requirements for consultation with various bodies, including the police, fire and rescue authority, and local health representatives, as well as representatives of licence holders, businesses, and residents.

A significant part of the discussion was expected to focus on the Cumulative Impact Policy (CIA) for Hugh Town. The report noted that the council had failed to undertake reviews of its CIA in accordance with legislative requirements, and the evidence base for the current CIA was considered outdated. Early engagement with stakeholders indicated a lack of evidence to support the reinstatement of a cumulative impact area. The proposed policy aims to address these issues by initiating a formal consultation process, after which a further report would be presented to the committee. The draft policy was constructed around the framework used by Cornwall Council, aiming for robustness and compliance with statutory legislation.

Street Trading Policy 2026

The committee was also scheduled to review the proposed Street Trading Policy for 2026. This policy, governed by the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, aims to provide a framework for consistent decision-making regarding street trading on the Isles of Scilly. The policy designates specific Commercial Trading Sites on St. Mary's where street trading will be permitted, with a list of Prohibited Streets also outlined. The report indicated that the policy would focus on applications for traders selling food and drink for public consumption, and that enforcement would be managed by the Environmental Health Officer.

Key points of the proposed policy included the continuation of the 12-month consent period for traders, with specific hours of operation and a revised fee structure. The policy also detailed exemptions from the need for a street trading consent, both statutory and local, and outlined the procedure for applicants, including requirements for public liability insurance, DBS checks for operators, and waste management. The report highlighted that the policy aims to support economic growth while being sensitive to the needs of residents and businesses, and to enhance the character, ambience, and safety of the local environment. The proposed policy was intended to come into effect from March 2026, following a 28-day public consultation period.