The Licensing Committee of Southwark Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday 29 January 2026 to discuss several key aspects of the borough's licensing policy. The meeting's agenda includes a comprehensive review of the Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031, an examination of the Cumulative Impact Areas within Southwark, and a discussion regarding the Late-Night Levy.

Review of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the review of Southwark's Statement of Licensing Policy for the period 2026 to 2031. This policy, mandated by the Licensing Act 2003¹, outlines how the council intends to approach its licensing responsibilities. The report pack indicates that the review has involved a full public consultation process, with feedback analysed and incorporated where appropriate. The proposed policy aims to enhance clarity, accessibility, and simplicity, with updated structures and content. Key changes include revised sections on personal licence applications, updated schedules of delegations, and revised guidance on premises and club licence applications. The policy also addresses cumulative impact areas, early morning restriction orders, and the late-night levy, incorporating new recommendations for hours of operation and updated information on licensing objectives. The committee is being asked to consider the revised policy with a view to recommending its adoption by the Council Assembly.

Review of Cumulative Impact Areas in Southwark

The committee will also consider a review of the Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) within Southwark. CIAs are designated zones where the concentration of licensed premises is considered to be adversely affecting the licensing objectives. The report pack details an assessment of data, including crime statistics, complaints, and premises density, to determine the status of current CIAs and monitoring areas. The recommendations propose retaining Borough & Bankside as a CIA, designating Elephant & Castle as a new CIA, and removing Peckham and Camberwell from CIA status due to improved risk profiles. All monitoring areas are recommended for discontinuation.

Review of the Late-Night Levy

Finally, the committee will review Southwark's Late-Night Levy (LNL). The LNL is a fee charged to premises licensed to sell alcohol between midnight and 6 am, with funds intended to support policing and related activities in the late-night economy. The report pack indicates that the council is considering whether to maintain the levy, extend it to late-night refreshment premises, or remove it entirely. Recent amendments to legislation have introduced greater flexibility, allowing for targeted areas and the inclusion of late-night refreshment. The committee is being asked to consider a potential 30/70 split of revenue between the council and the police, with the council's portion to be allocated to initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm and improving public safety. Consultation responses on extending the levy to late-night refreshment premises have been largely negative, with concerns raised about the financial burden on businesses.