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Starmer urged to scrap ‘outdated’ law limiting councils’ power over new gambling shops
Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure to scrap an “outdated” rule that limits communities’ ability to block new betting and...
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Beauty industry warns fillers should be classed as high‑risk
The beauty industry is urging the government to classify Botox and dermal fillers as high‑risk medical procedures.
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New NR3S Guidance
NAFN has published new guidance for users of the National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S).
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One pub a day closed permanently in England and Wales in 2025
Data shows 366 pubs have been demolished or converted for other uses this year as cost pressures take toll on...
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Institute congratulates Roger Butterworth BEM on New Year Honours recognition
IoL has extended its warmest congratulations to Roger Butterworth, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the...
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“Festive booze ban” for record number of offenders
More offenders than ever before will be forced to stay sober this festive season as part of the Government’s Plan...
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Starmer urged to scrap ‘outdated’ law limiting councils’ power over new gambling shops
Keir Starmer is under fresh pressure to scrap an “outdated” rule that limits communities’ ability to block new betting and 24‑hour slot‑machine shops.
Read MoreBeauty industry warns fillers should be classed as high‑risk
The beauty industry is urging the government to classify Botox and dermal fillers as high‑risk medical procedures.
Read MoreNew NR3S Guidance
NAFN has published new guidance for users of the National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions (NR3S).
Read MoreOne pub a day closed permanently in England and Wales in 2025
Data shows 366 pubs have been demolished or converted for other uses this year as cost pressures take toll on sector.
Read MoreInstitute congratulates Roger Butterworth BEM on New Year Honours recognition
IoL has extended its warmest congratulations to Roger Butterworth, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026.
Read More“Festive booze ban” for record number of offenders
More offenders than ever before will be forced to stay sober this festive season as part of the Government’s Plan for Change to cut alcohol-fuelled crime.
Read MoreBBPA launches Academy Graduate Scheme
A "one-of-a-kind" sector-wide graduate scheme in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading pub companies and breweries has been launched.
Read MoreGambling centres ‘clustered’ in deprived areas
Half of the UK's adult gaming centres are situated in its most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, BBC research suggests.
Read MoreNew VAT legislation for UK private hire sector takes effect
The UK private hire vehicle (PHV) sector is facing major operational and financial changes due to new VAT rules taking effect on January 2, 2026.
Read MoreGovernment unveils landmark animal welfare reforms
The government’s newly announced Animal Welfare Strategy, described by Defra as the “most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation”.
Read MoreScunthorpe taxi driver loses licence appeal after safety breaches
A Scunthorpe taxi driver who was caught speeding and watching videos while driving with a passenger failed in his attempt to overturn the Council’s decision to revoke his licence.
Read MoreGreenwich Borough Hall avoids licence suspension after noise complaints
Greenwich Borough Hall has avoided a suspension of its premises licence despite repeated complaints from neighbours about late‑night noise and disruption.
Read MorePaddy Power Betfair to pay £2m for regulatory failures
Paddy Power Betfair is to pay £2 million after a Commission investigation revealed social responsibility failures relating to customer interaction.
Read MoreDriver banned and fined for offering illegal taxi rides at Henley Regatta
South Oxfordshire District Council has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to unlawful taxi operations after a driver was caught illegally plying for hire during Henley Regatta.
Read MoreUK Government launches consultation on licensing for knife sales
The UK Government has opened a public consultation on proposals to introduce a licensing system for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles.
Read MoreLicensing reforms included in the UK Government’s new VAWG strategy
The UK Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy sets out licensing reforms to strengthen safety in transport and the night-time economy.
Read MoreLicensing Hours Extensions Bill reaches Committee Stage
The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill has now reached the Committee stage in the House of Commons.
Read MoreCrown Court backs Council decision to refuse private hire licence
Buckinghamshire Council has successfully defended its decision in court to refuse the renewal of a private hire driver’s licence due to unsatisfactory driving standards.
Read MoreLondon borough abandons Court of Appeal permitted development rights bid
Lambeth Council has said it will no longer pursue an appeal of a High Court judgment that found the London borough's use of permitted development rights.
Read MoreIllegal WhatsApp bookie sentenced
A man who ran an illegal WhatsApp gambling business and failed to pay a customer’s £269,000 account balance has received a 30 week suspended jail sentence.
Read MoreCouncils’ licensing powers seen as key to driving inclusive economic growth
LGA latest report highlights the pivotal role of councils in enabling inclusive economic growth, with licensing emerging as a critical lever.
Read MoreReindeer (Licensing for Exhibition) Bill introduced in the House of Commons
A new private Member’s Bill aimed at clarifying the licensing status of domesticated reindeer has been formally introduced in the House of Commons.
Read MorePeers debate licensing reforms in Devolution Bill after second reading
he English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has cleared its second reading in the House of Lords, triggering an extensive debate over the Bill’s proposed licensing reforms.
Read MoreInstitute 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 7th December 2025.
Read MoreGovernment Launches Grooming Gangs Inquiry with Focus on Taxi Licensing Safeguards
The UK Government has formally launched a statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.
Read MoreNew boat licences in bid to improve water safety in Dorset
Operators of pleasure boats and personal watercraft on parts of the Dorset coast will require new licences under plans set to be introduced to improve safety.
Read MoreGovernment launch call for evidence on the rollout of self-driving vehicles
The UK Government has launched a call for evidence to shape the rollout of self-driving vehicles across Great Britain, with charities, businesses, and licensing bodies invited to contribute.
Read MoreTobacco and vapes: evidence to support legislation – Institute of Licensing submission
The Institute of Licensing has urged a clear national framework for tobacco and vape licensing, based on alcohol regulation lessons.
Read MoreSIA outlines progress towards Martyn’s Law regulation
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, has provided a detailed update on preparations for the SIA’s new role as regulator of Martyn’s Law.
Read MoreAI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling – LocalGov Report
LocalGov and Multiverse explores how local authorities can build the skills, confidence, and culture needed to thrive in the AI era.
Read More£825,000 fine for Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Limited
Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Limited, trading as Betfred, will pay £825,000 after a Commission investigation revealed social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures.
Read MoreFireworks bill proposes licensing regime to regulate use
A new Bill introduced in Parliament this week seeks to establish a licensing regime for fireworks.
Read MoreGovernment rules out local authority data checks for taxi licensing
The Government has rejected local authority data checks for taxi drivers, opting for national licensing standards.
Read MoreConsultation opens for extra time at the pub during World Cup
Pubs could stay open for extra time next summer should a home nation reach the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Read MoreGovernment urged to extend animal welfare regulations to cover cat breeding
Peers in the House of Lords have pressed the Government to strengthen animal welfare protections by reviewing licensing regulations to address harmful cat breeding practices.
Read MoreE11 Coffee Lounge overturns illegal workers and illegal smoking revocation on appeal
The E11 Coffee Lounge in Leytonstone, within the London Borough of Waltham Forest, faced a multi-agency intelligence-led raid in January 2025
Read MoreAnimal Welfare Bill set to become law after Royal Assent
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill is now poised to receive Royal Assent.
Read MoreMHCLG allows councils to retain committee system “under strict conditions”
Local government secretary Steve Reed has announced that councils already operating the committee system will be permitted to continue doing so under specific conditions.
Read MoreGovernment expands tax conditionality to more licensing regimes
The UK Government has confirmed that tax conditionality requirements will be extended to cover additional licensing regimes.
Read MoreGovernment question on impact of licensing reform on local newspapers
Concerns have been raised in Parliament about the potential consequences of licensing reform for local newspapers.
Read MoreRegulators call for stronger measures against illegal online gambling
Regulators of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain issue joint institutional statement.
Read MoreLevy on overnight trips “will help mayors invest in local growth” – UK Government
England’s mayors will be able to invest in transport, infrastructure, and the visitor economy through a new levy on overnight stays.
Read MoreLGA calls for “inclusive, balanced and democratic licensing reform
The LGA has called on the Government to rethink its approach to alcohol licensing reform, stressing that changes must safeguard community wellbeing and uphold local democracy.
Read MoreCharles Holland Award – And the winner is …
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) is delighted to announce Finley Best as the winner of the inaugural Charles Holland Award 2025.
Read MoreJeremy Allen Award 2025 – And the winner is …
The Institute of Licensing is delighted to announce that Lorraine Simpson, Licensing Team Manager at St Helens Borough Council, has been named the winner of the Jeremy Allen Award 2025.
Read MoreGovernment publishes new “National Licensing Policy Framework” for the hospitality and leisure sectors
The Government has published the National Licensing Policy Framework for the hospitality and leisure sectors on 26 November 2025.
Read MoreNational Taxi Standards added to Devolution Bill
Standards will see all drivers, vehicles and operators subject to robust checks and requirements on safety and accessibility across the UK.
Read MoreHome Office publishes updated S182 Guidance
Updates to the s.182 guidance were published on the 26th of November 2025.
Read MoreInstitute of Licensing and leading national organisations launch new Partnership Charter for the Night Time Economy
The UK’s first Partnership Charter for the Night Time Economy will be launched at the Institute’s flagship conference on 26th November 2025.
Read MoreGovernment signals intent to introduce national minimum standards for taxi and PHV licensing
The UK Government has unveiled sweeping reforms to taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing, as part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.
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