Institute of Licensing pays tribute to Phil Bates

It is with sadness, shock and a sense of disbelief that we must report the sudden and unexpected death of Phil Bates, who died on Sunday 7^th December 2025.

Phil was a long-standing member of the Institute of Licensing, a member of our Taxi Special Interest Group and our working group responsible for the original Suitability Guidance (2018) and its revision published in 2024.  He was a regular trainer for the IoL, and he joined us as a speaker at the IoL’s National Training Conference in November, less than 2 weeks prior to his death.

Phil served for 30 years’ service with Hampshire Constabulary, retiring in 2012 as an Inspector. The majority of his time was as an operational officer in all three ranks, PC, Sgt and Insp., at Southampton Central. Phil’s final posting was in 2008 returning as the Sector Inspector for Southampton City Centre, where he oversaw a changing police approach to problem premises and better partnership working, achieving a 67% reduction in violent crime in the night time economy.  This work was recognised when they were winners of the Tilley Award in 2011.

After retiring from the police. Phil took up the role of Licensing Manager for Southampton City Council, leading the Taxi Camera project for the Council including dealing with two Enforcement notices from the ICO.   He earned his reputation as a firm but fair licensing manager, and described himself as a ‘…firm believer in applying the 4 Es approach to licensing, Engage, Explain, Encourage and only when necessary Enforce.’ 

He retired from the council in May 2025 but remained actively involved in licensing and was increasingly engaged in training projects with the IoL alongside his participation in our special interest committees including Taxis and Tobacco and Vapes licensing.

Phil was well known to many of us within the Institute of Licensing, and he will be very sadly missed as both a friend and colleague.  Our sincere condolences go to his widow Corinne, his children, grandchildren, family and friends.