The Licensing Committee of Westminster Council met on Wednesday 11 February 2026 to discuss proposed changes to licensing fees, a review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and an update on ongoing licensing appeals. The committee approved the proposed licensing fees for the upcoming year and received updates on several appeals, noting that some had been withdrawn or settled, while others remained pending. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the review of the Statement of Licensing Policy, with a focus on modernising its structure, language, and content to better reflect current needs and align with council priorities.

Licensing Fee Review 2026-2027

The committee reviewed and approved the proposed licensing fees for the period of April 2026 to March 2027. These fees are set to enable the council to recover its costs associated with administering, monitoring, and enforcing various licensing regimes. The proposed fees represent an average uplift of 6-7% across all licences, estimated to generate approximately £75,000. The report detailed the fee structure for numerous licensing regimes, including those for animals, sexual entertainment venues, and scrap metal dealers, noting that fees are often split into two parts: Part A for application processing and Part B for monitoring and enforcement.

Statement of Licensing Policy Review

The committee discussed the ongoing review of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which is statutorily required to be updated by October 2026. The review aims to simplify and modernise the policy, making it more accessible and responsive to current issues. Key areas for consideration include the recognition of Westminster After Dark Opportunity Areas to support diverse evening and night-time activities, the modernisation of premises use types to better reflect evolving business models, and the application of the cumulative impact assessment framework.

There was considerable discussion regarding the cumulative impact framework, with licensing agents advocating for a less restrictive approach, while resident associations called for stronger controls to protect quality of life. Committee members acknowledged the need for a balanced, data-driven approach. The review also plans to integrate provisions for Martyn's Law, Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and antisocial behaviour, alongside a focus on accessible language, sustainability guidance, and updated enforcement procedures. Stakeholder engagement has been ongoing, with further consultations planned before the policy's final adoption.

Update of Licensing Appeals

The committee received an update on various licensing appeals. Several appeals were noted as withdrawn or settled, including the Concept appeal, which resulted in the council recovering £41,000 in costs. The Sunset Strip appeal was withdrawn, but the recovery of legal costs of £7,936 is pending, with the company having been struck off by Companies House. The Sunny Corner appeal was also withdrawn, with the council seeking costs of £17,898.54, which remain outstanding. The Albert Scholls appeal was withdrawn, with costs of £10,707.69 being sought. The Eureka appeal, concerning a refusal to vary trading hours and the sale of alcohol, is pending legal arguments on its validity.

Additionally, the committee was updated on a prosecution brought by Global Radio against the council concerning statutory nuisance from buskers in Leicester Square. An Abatement Order was issued against the council, which has appealed the sentence, arguing it was too restrictive. The appeal is scheduled to be heard on 11 March 2026.