Licensing reforms included in the UK Government’s new VAWG strategy

The UK Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy introduces licensing reforms aimed at tackling exploitation in transport and the night-time economy.

The government’s Volume 2: Action Plan outlines two licensing proposals designed to close loopholes that have left women and girls vulnerable:

• Taxi and Private Hire Licensing: Legislation will be brought forward to address “inconsistent taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing standards highlighted in Baroness Casey’s audit into child sexual exploitation.” An amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will enable ministers to set national minimum standards focused on safety and accessibility, ensuring all drivers meet uniform requirements. This move is intended to prevent predatory individuals from exploiting weaker local licensing regimes.
• Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs): The government is considering reforms to the licensing regime for SEVs, noting that “current legislation excludes certain premises from requiring a licence.” This gap has allowed sexual entertainment to take place without council oversight, limiting the ability of local authorities to enforce safety measures. Ministers have pledged to consult with communities, stakeholders, and survivors to determine how the regime should be amended, with the protection of women and girls placed at the forefront.

The licensing reforms form part of a wider crackdown on exploitation, particularly in online and offline spaces. The government’s announcement stressed that “we will deploy the full power of the state in the largest crackdown on violence perpetrated against women and girls in British history”.

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, underscored the preventative focus: “We must stop these images being created and shared while tackling the root causes of negative influences on young men in their schools, homes and online.” While her remarks were directed at online harms, the same principle underpins the licensing reforms—closing regulatory gaps before exploitation can occur.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall added: “Women and girls deserve to be safe online as well as offline. We will not stand by while technology is weaponised to abuse, humiliate and exploit them.” The emphasis on safety “offline” directly connects to the government’s determination to strengthen licensing regimes in taxis and entertainment venues.