The Licensing Committee of Ealing Council met virtually on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, to discuss updates on the council's licensing policies and enforcement activities. Key agenda items included the renewal of the Gambling Licensing Policy, an update on general licensing matters, and a report on licensing hearings and enforcement activities.

Gambling Licensing Policy Renewal

The committee was scheduled to consider the renewal of the council's Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. This policy outlines how the council will handle applications under the Gambling Act 2005. The report detailed the outcome of a statutory consultation process on the draft policy, which ran from 2 February to 22 March 2026. Amendments were made to the policy based on feedback received. A significant aspect of the discussion was the proposed retention and renewal of the council's resolution not to issue casino premises licences, a stance that has been reaffirmed every three years. The report also highlighted the development of a Local Area Profile (LAP) to identify areas with increased vulnerability to gambling-related harm. This LAP, developed with input from Jethro Lister, Safer Communities Analyst, considered factors such as the concentration of gambling premises, deprivation data, and proximity to schools. The committee was recommended to approve the final draft of the policy and recommend it to Full Council for adoption.

Licensing Update

This agenda item provided an update on recent amendments to the council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030, which were approved by Full Council on 3 March 2026. These amendments were made to ensure the policy aligns with the current section 182 statutory guidance and to remove outdated terminology, such as references to a rebuttable presumption in relation to cumulative impact. The report also discussed the Mayor of London's Draft London Strategic Licensing Policy 2026–2031, which proposes a more consistent, London-wide approach to licensing. This draft policy aims to support economic growth, improve transparency, strengthen partnership working, and promote safer and more inclusive night-time environments. Key proposals include the introduction of a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy and a non-statutory Licensing Playbook, improved data collection and sharing, and potential new powers for the Mayor. The public consultation for this draft policy closed on 27 March 2026, with a pilot anticipated to commence in Summer 2026.

Licensing Hearings and Enforcement Update

This report provided an overview of licensing decisions made by the Licensing Sub-Committee between January and March 2026, as well as details of licensing and licensed premises enforcement and compliance activities. The Licensing Sub-Committee hears applications where representations have been received and makes decisions on premises licences, Temporary Event Notices (TENs), personal licence revocations, and Gambling Act 2005 applications. A summary of decisions made during this period was provided, including the granting of one new premises licence, and four reviews of premises licences, resulting in one licence revocation, one suspension, and two licences with additional conditions. The report also detailed enforcement activities, including late-night premises visits where two premises were found to be operating without the necessary licences for late-night refreshment. Two alcohol-led premises were found to be operating beyond permitted hours, leading to pending review proceedings. Test purchase operations targeting underage alcohol sales resulted in two venues failing the test and facing licensing review proceedings. The team also assisted Trading Standards and the police in a significant seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods, including vapes, toys, tobacco, and cigarettes. The report highlighted ongoing intelligence-led inspections of off-licence venues, which resulted in the seizure of contraband and led to licence reviews for Sira Superstore, Lady Margaret Superstore, Kens News & Off Licence, and The Old Oak Tree. Additionally, the council delivered Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) and 'Ask for Angela' training to licensed businesses to support safeguarding responsibilities.