Government to strengthen licensing guidance to help councils tackle antisemitic events

The Government has announced plans to strengthen guidance for local licensing authorities, setting out how existing powers can be used more robustly to prevent events or venues promoting antisemitic behaviour or content. The move forms part of a wider package of measures unveiled in a Written Ministerial Statement on tackling antisemitism, delivered by Communities Secretary Steve Reed on 14 May 2026.

Reed said the rise in antisemitic incidents since the 7 October terrorist attacks had created “a crisis for all of us”, stressing that local authorities must be equipped to act decisively when venues or organisers enable hateful or extremist activity. The updated guidance will clarify how councils can apply existing licensing frameworks—such as conditions, reviews, and enforcement powers—to address events that risk promoting antisemitic content or threatening community safety.

The strengthened guidance will sit alongside a broader government strategy, Protecting What Matters, which includes new oversight measures for charities and universities, expanded disruption powers against extremist groups, and the use of Online Safety Act provisions to tackle harmful content. Reed emphasised that these steps were developed in consultation with Jewish stakeholders and are intended to give local authorities clearer routes to intervene early and prevent harm.

The announcement follows a summit convened by the Prime Minister on 5 May, bringing together leaders from policing, civil society, education, culture, and business to address antisemitism across society. Ahead of the summit, the Government committed an additional £25 million for police patrols and protective security for Jewish communities—bringing total funding this year to £58 million—and expanded the Common Ground programme to support communities facing antisemitism.

Reed said the Government would continue to “use the full strength of the law” to counter extremist activity and ensure Jewish communities feel safe. Strengthening licensing guidance, he added, is intended to give councils greater confidence in using the powers they already hold to prevent venues becoming platforms for hate.