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Mayors given call in powers over major planning decisions
Mayors across England are to be given call in powers over major planning decisions, with national thresholds set outside London...
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Bacta warns of judicial review over licence revocation
Bacta has warned it would consider a judicial review if government reforms allow local authorities to revoke gambling licences to...
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The Team of the Year Award: recognising the people behind good licensing decisions
A new prize for 2026 recognises the teams behind good licensing decisions, not just individuals. Nominations close 1 September, with...
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Welsh Government launches consultation on National Development Framework
The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation as part of a major revision of the National Development Framework, which...
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Digital verification services and Money Laundering Regulations duties
OfDIA has published guidance on how certified digital verification services can help businesses, including casinos regulated by the Gambling Commission,...
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Holland Park Leisure fined £150,000 for self-exclusion failure
The Gambling Commission has fined Holland Park Leisure Limited £150,000 for failing to comply with a self-exclusion scheme requirement designed...
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Mayors given call in powers over major planning decisions
Mayors across England are to be given call in powers over major planning decisions, with national thresholds set outside London for the first time.
Read MoreBacta warns of judicial review over licence revocation
Bacta has warned it would consider a judicial review if government reforms allow local authorities to revoke gambling licences to reduce premises numbers, rather than for breaches of the licensing objectives.
Read MoreThe Team of the Year Award: recognising the people behind good licensing decisions
A new prize for 2026 recognises the teams behind good licensing decisions, not just individuals. Nominations close 1 September, with winners announced at IoL's Gala Dinner in November.
Read MoreWelsh Government launches consultation on National Development Framework
The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation as part of a major revision of the National Development Framework, which governs how places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources are planned across Wales.
Read MoreDigital verification services and Money Laundering Regulations duties
OfDIA has published guidance on how certified digital verification services can help businesses, including casinos regulated by the Gambling Commission, meet their customer due diligence duties under the Money Laundering Regulations.
Read MoreHolland Park Leisure fined £150,000 for self-exclusion failure
The Gambling Commission has fined Holland Park Leisure Limited £150,000 for failing to comply with a self-exclusion scheme requirement designed to reduce gambling harm.
Read MoreNo right to work accounts for 90% of SIA licence revocations since 2022
The SIA's response to a Freedom of Information request shows that 90 per cent of licence revocations since 2022 were because the holder no longer had the right to work in the UK.
Read MoreHome Office corrects worked example on ‘responsible person’ in Martyn’s Law guidance
The Home Office has corrected Section 27 statutory guidance for Martyn's Law, changing a worked example on who counts as the responsible person where a premises is leased to a tenant.
Read MoreDigital verification services: OfDIA confirms no new certification requirements for alcohol sales
OfDIA has confirmed that proposed changes to the Mandatory Licensing Conditions, allowing digital verification services to support alcohol sales in England and Wales, will not introduce any new certification requirements for DVS providers.
Read MoreForest of Dean District Council secures Animal Welfare Act 2006 conviction and five year disqualification order
Forest of Dean District Council has secured an Animal Welfare Act 2006 conviction against an individual who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog and three fish, resulting in a suspended sentence and a five year disqualification order.
Read MoreDigital proof of age for alcohol sales: how the draft licensing order will work in practice
OfDIA and DCMS have published guidance on how digital proofs of age will work for alcohol sales once the draft Licensing Act 2003 amendment order comes into force, covering registered DVS, self-service checkouts and data minimisation.
Read MoreGambling Commission newsletter: illegal gambling action, sponsorship consultation and safeguarding research
The Gambling Commission's 17 August newsletter covers support for a police operation against illegal gambling, a DCMS consultation on banning unlicensed gambling sponsorship, and new safeguarding research.
Read More2026 taxi and PHV statistics: what licensing officers need to know on accessibility and safeguarding
DfT's 2026 statistics cover taxi and PHV accessibility and safeguarding, with new data for licensing officers to note.
Read MoreLINK issue 30: public protection, professional growth
The Institute of Licensing has published LINK issue 30, the Summer 2026 edition of its licensing magazine.
Read MoreIoL urges Government to accelerate Section 180 licensing rollout for nonsurgical cosmetic procedures
The Institute of Licensing has written to the Department of Health and Social Care urging it to publish a clear timetable for implementing the Section 180 licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, warning that continued delay leaves consumers at risk and local authorities unable to prepare.
Read MoreTaxi and private hire vehicle statistics, England: 2026 published
The Department for Transport has published the 2026 taxi and private hire vehicle statistics, providing information on the number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales.
Read MoreSIA issues April update as preparations for Martyn’s Law continue
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has provided an update on preparations for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, highlighting continuing work on recruitment, regulatory guidance, pilot inspections and the development of a notification portal for premises and events that will fall within the legislation.
Read MoreIoL urges Government to adopt licensing regime in response to DHSC sunbeds consultation
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has published its full response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on strengthening the regulation of commercial sunbeds in England.
Read MoreRetailers urged to prepare for new Tobacco & Vapes age‑of‑sale requirements
Retailers urged to prepare for new age‑of‑sale requirements as DHSC publishes detailed guidance ahead of October 2026 and January 2027 changes.
Read MoreSeven charged over alleged fraud involving Bet365 introductory offers
Seven people have been charged in connection with an alleged fraud against gambling operator Bet365.
Read MoreIoL warns Welsh enforcement gap in Tobacco and Vapes Act could weaken licensing oversight
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has raised concerns that section 32 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 risks sidelining Licensing Authorities in Wales, potentially weakening the regulatory oversight of tobacco and vape retailers.
Read MorePrivate hire driver fined and banned from the roads following repeated illegal operating
An undercover operation by Reading Council Licensing officers has led to an unlicensed driver being fined and banned from the roads after he was caught offering illegal rides in Reading town centre for the second time in two years.
Read MoreCheltenham resident prosecuted for animal welfare offences
A Cheltenham resident has been prosecuted for animal welfare and fraud offences linked to the breeding and sale of French Bulldogs.
Read MoreCommission supports police action targeting illegal gambling activity
The Gambling Commission has supported South Yorkshire Police in a coordinated operation targeting illegal gambling and suspected organised criminal activity in Sheffield and Doncaster.
Read MorePM announces new powers for councils to curb problem high‑street shops including scrapping the “aim to permit” rule
The prime minister has announced a package of measures designed to give councils stronger powers to restrict or close problem high‑street premises, including vape shops, betting shops and 24‑hour slot machine venues.
Read MoreIoL supports promotion of Martyn’s Law roadshows and upcoming SIA webinars
IoL encourages members to apply for Martyn’s Law Roadshows and upcoming SIA webinars.
Read More“Robotaxis” granted licence to operate in London as questions grow over TfL’s powers
Self‑driving taxis have moved a step closer to operating in London after Transport for London (TfL) granted private hire licences to a fleet of autonomous vehicles using technology developed by British firm Wayve.
Read MoreIllegal working arrests rise sharply across hospitality and licensed premises
Arrests for suspected illegal working have risen sharply over the past two years, according to new Home Office data.
Read MoreDowning Street signals opposition to council plans restricting standing in pubs
Government pushes back against Westminster Council’s proposal to curb standing in Soho and West End pubs, warning against restrictive licensing measures.
Read MoreDatgloi Potensial Cymru – creu pwerdy Diwylliant a Chwaraeon
The first step towards a new Culture and Sport strategy, which will be based on real actions to turn the vision of Wales as a culture and sport powerhouse.
Read MoreCouncil wants pubs in London’s Soho and West End to ban standing
Westminster Council has sparked significant debate after proposing licensing changes that would discourage standing and ordering at the bar in pubs across Soho and the West End.
Read MoreQuestions grow over TfL’s powers after autonomous PHV cap set at 15 vehicles
London’s autonomous vehicle rollout has entered a new phase, with Transport for London (TfL) approving early trials while facing renewed scrutiny over the limits of its regulatory powers.
Read MoreSIA updates progress on Martyn’s Law as new notification guidance is released
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has issued a fresh update on preparations for Martyn’s Law.
Read MoreGambling Commission newsletter – 3 August 2026
The latest fortnightly update highlights enforcement action, regulatory developments, industry consultations and operational news from across the gambling sector.
Read MoreTobacco and Vapes Act begins phased rollout in Northern Ireland as England delays consultation on retail licensing scheme until 2027
Northern Ireland has begun implementing the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, with the Tobacco and Vapes (2026 Act) (Commencement No.1) Order (Northern Ireland) 2026.
Read MoreGovernment issues new LGR letters for Nottinghamshire, Nottingham and Thurrock
The Government has published two further letters marking the next steps in England’s ongoing local government reorganisation (LGR) programme.
Read MoreGovernment takes action to crack down on rogue funeral operators
Proposals for formal regulation of the funeral sector to be developed following the case in Hull.
Read MoreCourt of Appeal refuses TNLC permission to appeal
The Court of Appeal has refused The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC’s application to appeal part of the High Court decision.
Read MoreMinicab drivers win High Court permission to challenge TfL over licensing renewal delays
Minicab drivers have secured permission from the High Court to bring a judicial review against Transport for London (TfL).
Read MoreInstitute of Licensing backs extended closure powers but warns of risks and calls for stronger safeguards
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has submitted its formal response to the Home Office consultation on proposals to increase the maximum duration of closure orders.
Read MoreMcDonald’s Leicester Square granted 24‑hour premises licence as exception to Westminster’s cumulative impact policy
Following a contested hearing before Westminster City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on 23 July 2026, McDonald’s flagship restaurant in Leicester Square, London, has been granted a new premises licence allowing it to trade 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Read MoreGambling Commission rejects claims of poor engagement in horse racing sector row
Growing concern about the Gambling Commission’s forthcoming financial risk assessments (FRAs) has prompted renewed scrutiny from both government and the racing industry.
Read MoreCalls grow for ministers to give TfL full regulatory control over autonomous taxi services
Pressure is mounting on ministers to hand Transport for London (TfL) full authority over the regulation and licensing of autonomous taxi services.
Read MoreJoint taxi and private hire compliance operation in Nuneaton hailed a success
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has led a further joint operation to check taxis and private hire vehicles in the Borough, working beside Warwickshire Police and City of Wolverhampton Council.
Read MoreLicensed drivers urged to meet new digital reporting duty
For licensed taxi and private hire drivers, this typically includes fares, platform‑derived income, cash takings, tips, and allowable operating costs such as fuel, insurance, vehicle maintenance and licensing fees.
Read More£2 million scheme to help make Welsh tourism and hospitality more accessible
Tourism and hospitality businesses across Wales are being encouraged to apply for a new £2 million.
Read MoreIllegal casino arrests
Two people have been arrested as part of an investigation into an illegal casino in Bristol.
Read MoreYoung people and gambling harm debated in the Lords
Peers in the House of Lords have raised concerns about rising gambling harm among young people.
Read MoreBaidu begins autonomous vehicle testing on London streets
Baidu has begun testing its Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on public roads in London.
Read MoreDeadline extended for IoL award nominations to 1 September
The Institute of Licensing has extended the nomination deadline for its three annual awards.
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