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Boarding kennel and cattery firm loses appeal after licence refusal upheld
A Cambridgeshire-based animal boarding business has lost its appeal against a local authority’s refusal to grant it an operating licence,...
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IoL warns government’s taxi licensing overhaul is “unworkable”
The Institute of Licensing warns that government plans to shift taxi licensing to transport authorities are unworkable and risk undermining...
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Gambling Commission e‑bulletin: Key updates at a glance
A roundup of the latest Gambling Commission updates, including consultations, operator surveys, duty changes, new guidance and industry engagement events.
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Froyle Park prevails after 3-day licence review hearing
Froyle Park successfully defends its premises licence after a rare 3‑day review, with the council rejecting major restrictions and endorsing...
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IoL urges clarity, collaboration and proportionality in London licensing pilot
The IoL has broadly welcomed the aims of the proposed London Strategic Licensing Pilot but has called for clearer processes,...
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Government reiterates existing transparency rules for gambling and lottery operators
Government confirms that society and local authority lotteries already face transparency rules and sales limits under the Gambling Act 2005,...
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News
Boarding kennel and cattery firm loses appeal after licence refusal upheld
A Cambridgeshire-based animal boarding business has lost its appeal against a local authority’s refusal to grant it an operating licence, following findings of serious welfare and safety deficiencies.
Read MoreIoL warns government’s taxi licensing overhaul is “unworkable”
The Institute of Licensing warns that government plans to shift taxi licensing to transport authorities are unworkable and risk undermining public safety.
Read MoreGambling Commission e‑bulletin: Key updates at a glance
A roundup of the latest Gambling Commission updates, including consultations, operator surveys, duty changes, new guidance and industry engagement events.
Read MoreFroyle Park prevails after 3-day licence review hearing
Froyle Park successfully defends its premises licence after a rare 3‑day review, with the council rejecting major restrictions and endorsing balanced conditions.
Read MoreIoL urges clarity, collaboration and proportionality in London licensing pilot
The IoL has broadly welcomed the aims of the proposed London Strategic Licensing Pilot but has called for clearer processes, stronger collaboration, and a consistent, evidence‑led approach.
Read MoreGovernment reiterates existing transparency rules for gambling and lottery operators
Government confirms that society and local authority lotteries already face transparency rules and sales limits under the Gambling Act 2005, following questions on subscription‑based lottery oversight.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on future use of dog breed Health Assessment tool
The UK Government has been asked to clarify whether a new “Innate Health Assessment” for dog breeds will be incorporated into statutory licensing rules for breeders.
Read MoreMayor of London handed new strategic licensing powers after Lords clash
The Government has pushed through a significant change to London’s licensing regime.
Read MoreLuton security boss prosecuted for supplying unlicensed security
Security company director Mohammed Shaba and his company Peack Global Security Ltd pleaded guilty to offences under the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA).
Read MoreRapist taxi driver given longer prison sentence
A taxi driver who filmed himself repeatedly raping a vulnerable passenger over several years has his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.
Read MoreLocal Government Reorganisation Statement
ministerial statement confirmed plans to create new unitary councils across Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, adopting five‑council models in Essex and Hampshire and three‑council models in both Norfolk and Suffolk.
Read MoreScotland commits £7.9m to expand services tackling gambling harms
The Scottish Government has announced a £7.9 million investment to strengthen prevention, early‑intervention and treatment services for people affected by gambling harms.
Read MoreGovernment questioned on public transport accessibility including taxis
The debate in the House of Lords on public transport accessibility repeatedly focused on the accessibility of taxis and licensed private hire vehicles (PHVs).
Read MoreCommons backs Lords amendments establishing tobacco and vape licensing regime
MPs have approved a wide package of Lords amendments to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill that lay the statutory groundwork for a new licensing scheme for retailers in England.
Read MoreGovernment consults on proposals to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales
The Government is Iinviting views on the government’s proposed approach to implementing a ban on trail hunting in England and Wales.
Read MoreCouncil action to revoke taxi licence upheld in court
Tamworth Borough Council successfully defends decision to revoke driver’s taxi licence.
Read MoreHigh Court rejects greyhound racing challenge as Welsh ban moves forward
The High Court has dismissed a legal challenge brought by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) against the Welsh Government’s plan to ban greyhound racing.
Read MoreHigh Court rules on lawfulness of emailing licensing Decision Notices
High Court dismisses claim that revocation decision was not validly served because it went to spam.
Read MoreSIA complete joint Canterbury operation with HMRC and Kent Police
On 6 March His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Kent Police and the SIA conducted a joint night‑time economy operation that took place in Canterbury.
Read MoreMembers Forum now live
The Institute of Licensing is pleased to announce that the new IoL Members’ Forum is officially live and ready for use.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on giving councils more power over betting shops and vape stores
The Government has signalled that councils will gain stronger powers to control the spread of betting shops, vape stores and other problem high‑street premises.
Read MoreA Glasgow fire sparks national questions over Scotland’s vaping licensing rules
Scotland’s vaping shop licensing regime is facing renewed scrutiny after MSPs raised serious concerns in the wake of the Glasgow Union Street fire.
Read MoreSafety concerns after Bristol ends nightlife partnership
Fears have been raised over the future of safety in Bristol’s night-time economy after the city council confirmed it will end its partnership with Bristol Nights.
Read More200 taxis checked during major safety crackdown across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble
Nearly 200 taxis were stopped and inspected during a large-scale multi-agency operation across Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, as police and council teams joined forces to keep the public safe.
Read MoreNew powers proposed to let councils suspend out-of-area taxi licences instantly
Amendments tabled could strengthen the ability of councils in England to act swiftly against unsafe out of area taxi and private hire vehicles.
Read MoreMHCLG tables amendment to introduce gambling impact assessments in English Devolution Bill
Government tables amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill to give councils new powers to introduce gambling impact assessments.
Read MoreGovernment questioned on taxi and private hire vehicle licence database
A recent parliamentary question has drawn attention to how effectively the national taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing database is operating.
Read MoreGovernment’s assessment of Wolverhampton’s approach
The Department for Transport says Wolverhampton and all licensing authorities must follow statutory safeguarding guidance, including strict background checks and ongoing monitoring of taxi and private‑hire drivers.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on transparency rules for cross‑border private hire bookings
MPs question the government over whether passengers are clearly told when private hire bookings are subcontracted to operators licensed in other areas.
Read MoreIoL launches two new videos to support national Primate Licensing campaign
IoL has published two new short videos designed to help local authorities, enforcement teams and partner organisations understand the forthcoming primate licensing requirements.
Read MoreLaunch of new national award celebrates excellence in police licensing
The inaugural Police Licensing Excellence Award has been launched by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) in partnership with the Institute of Licensing.
Read MoreIoL launches flagship National Training Conference 2026 with early‑bird tickets now available
IoL has announced the launch of its flagship annual event, the National Training Conference (NTC) 2026.
Read MoreLink magazine issue 28 released: Winter 2026 edition now available
The Institute of Licensing has published Link Issue 28, the Winter 2026 edition of its licensing magazine.
Read MoreGambling Commission outlines upcoming LCCP changes for 2026
The Gambling Commission has set out a timetable of regulatory updates that will take effect across 2026.
Read MoreGambling Commission announces leadership change, new operator services, and key regulatory updates
The Gambling Commission’s latest bulletin outlines several developments affecting licensed operators.
Read MoreImportant Update: Institute of Licensing Membership Structure for 2026
An important update to the Institute of Licensing membership structure for 2026.
Read MoreNominations for the Charles Holland Award 2026 are now open
Nominations for the Charles Holland Award 2026 are now open, inviting submissions that recognise exceptional early‑career professionals working across the licensing field.
Read MoreLocal government reorganisation: decision order letter to Surrey council leaders
Letter to Surrey council leaders about the Surrey (Structural Changes) Order 2026.
Read MoreJersey politicians to take control of alcohol licences
Jersey’s long‑standing system for regulating alcohol sales is set for its most significant overhaul in half a century.
Read MoreConservative opposition mounts against Green Party proposal to reintroduce dog licences
A policy proposal by the Green Party has triggered a formal challenge from the Conservative Party, highlighting a growing divide over animal welfare regulation.
Read MoreLords completes scrutiny of Tobacco and Vapes Bill
Third reading - the final chance for the Lords to change the bill - took place on 9 March.
Read MoreHome Office expands Project Vigilant as undercover policing steps up to protect women in the night‑time economy
The Home Office is expanding the use of Project Vigilant across nine additional police forces in England and Wales.
Read MoreScottish Government issues World Cup licensing guidance amid concerns over inconsistent local rules
The Scottish Government has issued new guidance to Licensing Boards on how to handle requests for extended opening hours during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Read MoreGovernment non‑committal on licensing of domestic rescue and rehoming organisations
The Government has declined to set out a timetable for its long‑awaited consultation on the licensing, regulation and inspection of domestic rescue and rehoming organisations in England.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on risks of scrapping alcohol licensing notices in local newspapers
The Government is facing renewed scrutiny over proposals to remove the requirement for alcohol licensing notices to be published in local newspapers.
Read MoreTamworth street trader prosecuted for trading without a licence
Tamworth Borough Council has prosecuted a Tamworth street trader operating as The Posh Pig, Wilnecote Lane, Tamworth for trading without a licence to operate.
Read MoreScotland faces patchwork of pub opening rules ahead of late‑night World Cup fixture
Scottish councils are taking different approaches to late‑night licensing, with some allowing pubs to open for Scotland’s World Cup fixtures and others refusing blanket extensions.
Read MoreTobacco & Vapes Bill implementation amendment defeated
A government‑backed majority in the House of Lords has defeated an amendment aimed at delaying implementation of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill.
Read MoreGovernment questioned on minimum pass mark for taxi and PH safeguarding test
The Government has been asked to clarify whether it plans to introduce a minimum national pass mark for safeguarding tests taken by taxi and private hire drivers.
Read MoreWestminster City Council publish the licensing “direction of travel” document
Westminster City Council has released a new Direction of Travel document setting out the key challenges, opportunities and long‑term ambitions for the future of licensing and planning in the borough.
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