IoL contributes evidence to Parliament’s high streets inquiry

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has played a key role in Parliament’s inquiry into the future of England’s high streets, with Sue Nelson, Director of Policy and Stakeholders at the IoL, giving oral evidence to the House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee on 13 October 2026. The session formed part of the Committee’s ongoing inquiry into revitalising high streets and town centres across England.

The parliamentary inquiry is examining the challenges facing high streets, including the growth of so-called “unwanted” retail and service uses, the effectiveness of local authority powers, and the measures needed to support regeneration and community pride. MPs are also considering the role of enforcement, business rates reform and wider government initiatives designed to support town centres.

Sue Nelson appeared alongside representatives from the Centre for Social Justice, National Trading Standards and London Centric during the Committee’s first oral evidence session. Discussion focused on issues including high street enforcement, criminality, regulatory powers and the wider factors influencing perceptions of decline in town centres.

The appearance follows the IoL’s written submission to the inquiry, in which the Institute argued that successful high streets require both effective place-making and effective place-management. The submission emphasised that while planning authorities shape the physical environment, licensing authorities play a critical role in managing how businesses and activities operate within it. The IoL highlighted the importance of partnership working between licensing authorities, planning teams, trading standards, the police, businesses and local communities in delivering sustainable regeneration.

Addressing concerns around concentrations of vape shops, betting premises and other businesses that have attracted public attention, the IoL urged policymakers to focus on compliance and criminality rather than assumptions about particular business sectors. Its evidence stressed that the more meaningful distinction is between legitimate businesses and those connected to issues such as illicit trade, organised crime, money laundering or persistent regulatory non-compliance. The Institute argued that intelligence-led enforcement and effective partnership working remain the most appropriate response.

The IoL also cautioned against viewing planning powers as a standalone solution to high street challenges. Its evidence highlighted the continuing role of licensing, trading standards and police-led enforcement in supporting safe, well-managed and economically vibrant town centres. The Institute further pointed to collaborative initiatives such as Purple Flag, Best Bar None, Pubwatch and Community Alcohol Partnerships as examples of successful partnership-led approaches to place management.

The Institute’s contribution to the inquiry reflects the ambitions set out in its recently launched five-year strategy, Building Excellence, Achieving Charter Status. One of the strategy’s key priorities is Policy Leadership, with the IoL committing to strengthen its role in influencing national policy and ensuring that the expertise of licensing practitioners informs government and parliamentary decision-making. The strategy identifies increased engagement with government, Parliament and policymakers as an important part of the Institute’s work to advance the licensing profession and support the public interest.

The IoL’s participation in the Committee’s inquiry demonstrates this commitment in practice, providing Parliament with evidence from across the licensing profession on the regulatory, enforcement and partnership issues that influence the success of high streets and town centres. Through both its written and oral evidence, the Institute has sought to ensure that licensing considerations form part of the wider conversation about regeneration, public safety and place management.

The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee will continue gathering evidence before reporting its findings and recommendations on the future of England’s high streets.