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Gambling Commission fortnightly roundup: speeches dominate agenda as new podcast episode launches
Gambling Commission roundup covering recent speeches from senior leaders, key regulatory updates and the launch of a new bonus episode...
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World Cup 2026 guidance published with key input from the Institute of Licensing
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has issued new national guidance to help pubs and bars prepare for the...
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Study into reintroducing dog licences prompts mixed reaction in South West
A national study examining whether dog licences should be reintroduced to address growing concerns around dog ownership has drawn a...
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Durham premises in court over hygiene and licence breaches
The operators of Lebaneat are facing a bill of over £16,000 after officers found poor food hygiene and licensing breaches...
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SIA outlines progress on Martyn’s Law as consultation on new statutory guidance opens
SIA outlines progress on Martyn’s Law as consultation on new statutory guidance opens.
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Glasgow door supervisor working with suspended licence prosecuted
Suspended SIA licence holder Tony Jones pleaded guilty to illegally working as a door supervisor and was fined £250.
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Gambling Commission fortnightly roundup: speeches dominate agenda as new podcast episode launches
Gambling Commission roundup covering recent speeches from senior leaders, key regulatory updates and the launch of a new bonus episode of the Inside the Commission podcast.
Read MoreWorld Cup 2026 guidance published with key input from the Institute of Licensing
The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has issued new national guidance to help pubs and bars prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — with the Institute of Licensing.
Read MoreStudy into reintroducing dog licences prompts mixed reaction in South West
A national study examining whether dog licences should be reintroduced to address growing concerns around dog ownership has drawn a divided response from owners in Devon and Cornwall.
Read MoreDurham premises in court over hygiene and licence breaches
The operators of Lebaneat are facing a bill of over £16,000 after officers found poor food hygiene and licensing breaches at its Durham premises.
Read MoreSIA outlines progress on Martyn’s Law as consultation on new statutory guidance opens
SIA outlines progress on Martyn’s Law as consultation on new statutory guidance opens.
Read MoreGlasgow door supervisor working with suspended licence prosecuted
Suspended SIA licence holder Tony Jones pleaded guilty to illegally working as a door supervisor and was fined £250.
Read MoreTwo pubs closed a day in first three months of year, as BBPA calls on Government to take long-term action
Approximately two pubs closed a day in first three months of year, as BBPA calls on Government to take long-term action
Read MoreExpert Advisory Group completes review of dog breeding regulations in Northern Ireland
Recommendations to improve animal welfare in dog breeding practices in Northern Ireland have been presented to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Read MoreCouncil defeats appeal over revocation of premises licence for Sandhurst restaurant
Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully defended a decision of its Licensing Sub‑Committee to revoke the premises licence for the White Horse Chinese Restaurant in Sandhurst.
Read MoreFormer taxi driver convicted for fraud and insurance offences after forging licence documents
Vale of White Horse District Council has successfully prosecuted a former taxi driver from Kennington near Oxford who admitted to fraud and insurance offences after forging licence documents to continue working as a licensed driver.
Read MoreWelsh Government updates driver training guidance ahead of post‑election decisions
The Welsh Government has updated Part 2, section 1(h) of its Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Licensing Guidance.
Read MoreConsultation launched on proposed animal welfare reforms in Northern Ireland
DAERA has opened a public consultation on a series of proposed reforms to animal welfare policy in Northern Ireland.
Read MoreGovernment highlights ‘important opportunity’ for organisations as SIA opens consultation on Martyn’s Law guidance
The UK Government has underlined that organisations now have a crucial opportunity to gain clarity on how Martyn’s Law will be regulated.
Read MoreGovernment puts flying taxis centre‑stage in £50m push to accelerate advanced air mobility
The UK’s ambitions for flying taxis have been given a major boost, with ministers announcing nearly £50 million to speed up the rollout.
Read MoreMan convicted of selling alcohol to 16 year old
Anthony WIAZCEK, 65 from Todmorden Road, Burnley, was convicted of selling alcohol to 16 year old Hector Eccles in March 2024.
Read MoreIoL to play leading role at PHTM Expo 2026
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has confirmed its continued support for the PHTM Expo 2026 in Milton Keynes, reinforcing its commitment to shaping the future of taxi and private hire licensing.
Read MoreFestival licence could face review after booking Bob Vylan as headliner
A music festival featuring headliner punk duo Bob Vylan could its licence reviewed with a potential hearing three days before the gates are due to open.
Read MoreCrime and Policing Act 2026: New spiking offence at the centre of landmark reforms
Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces a long‑awaited standalone offence for administering a harmful substance, including spiking, following Royal Assent.
Read MoreYoung people back nightlife support but say they’re priced out
Most young people support political action on the night‑time economy, but new NTIA and Obsurvant research shows many are being priced out by the cost of living.
Read MoreScotland short-term lets licensing statistics
This publication reports on the number of short-term lets in operation in Scotland as well as other data relating to short-term lets.
Read MoreSIA begins process of gaining PIDA prescribed person status
The SIA has begun the formal process to become a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Read MoreHigh street crime crackdown prompts renewed calls for stronger enforcement powers
A growing body of evidence linking high street businesses to organised crime has intensified pressure on the Government to strengthen enforcement powers.
Read MoreYate man fined for transporting scrap metal without the required licences
A man from Yate has been ordered to pay a total of £2,083 in fines and costs after South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted him for collecting scrap metal without the legally required licences.
Read MoreCollege becomes first in North East Lincolnshire to secure primate licence
Grimsby Institute says it believes it is the first facility in North East Lincolnshire to be granted a primate licence.
Read MoreEnglish Devolution Bill receives Royal Assent
Act follows on from the English Devolution White Paper, which set out government agenda for devolution.
Read MoreTobacco and Vapes Bill becomes law
The law introduces stronger enforcement powers, including the ability to implement a retail licensing scheme and tackle illicit tobacco and vape sales.
Read MoreLords ask government to think again on English Devolution Bill
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill returned to the House of Lords for consideration of Commons amendments in ‘ping pong’ on Monday 27 April.
Read MoreAutomated Vehicles regulations clarify consent requirement for taxi & PH services
New secondary legislation under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 provides further detail on the permitting regime for automated passenger services (APS).
Read MoreGovernment sets out details of new automated passenger services permitting scheme
The Government has confirmed how its new permitting scheme for automated passenger services (APS) will operate.
Read MoreGovernment considers overhaul of ‘archaic’ taxi and PHV licensing regime
DfT signals major reform of England’s taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing system is under active consideration.
Read MoreGambling Commission publishes latest fortnightly update
The Gambling Commission’s 27 April newsletter highlights key regulatory developments, new analysis work and the latest episode of its Inside the Commission podcast.
Read MoreAvoiding duplication between planning and licensing
Deputy Judge Dan Kolinsky KC’s ruling in a planning challenge by Jaks Bars and Restaurants offers important clarity for cases needing both planning and licensing consent.
Read MoreHigh street mini‑marts under pressure as enforcement uncovers widespread illegal trading
Concerns are rising over unregulated high street mini‑marts after enforcement operations uncovered serious criminal activity, including illegal tobacco and vape sales.
Read MoreGovernment outlines next steps for local government reorganisation in Sussex
The Government has set out the next phase of work on local government reorganisation (LGR) in Sussex.
Read MoreIllegal gambling trends show no sustained growth, says Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission has reported fluctuating but not consistently rising levels of consumer engagement with illegal online gambling.
Read MoreJodie Marsh granted primate licence
Former glamour model and animal sanctuary owner Jodie Marsh has secured a primate licence from Uttlesford District Council.
Read MoreLicensing SAVI to close after five years of operation
Licensing SAVI, the national police‑supported safety and security initiative for licensed premises, will close on 30 April 2026.
Read MoreTobacco and Vapes Bill set for Royal Assent after final Lords approval
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has completed its passage through Parliament following consideration of Commons amendments in the House of Lords on 20 April 2026.
Read MoreHigh Court rejects legal challenges relating to the National Lottery
The High Court rejected in full the claims brought by The New Lottery Company Limited (TNLC) and Northern & Shell PLC (N&S) against the Gambling Commission in relation to the award of the Fourth National Lottery Licence.
Read MoreHouse of Lords approves Devolution Bill as licensing reforms move closer to law
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has cleared its final stage in the House of Lords.
Read MoreFalse statements in licensing proceedings
A man who used AI to create false licensing statements in an attempt to shut down a London nightclub has been prosecuted, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind.
Read MoreGovernment urged to consider full licensing scheme for short‑term holiday lets
The Government is facing renewed pressure to go beyond its planned registration scheme for short‑term holiday lets.
Read MorePeers back shift to national standards for taxi licensing
A government amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has tightened the language around taxi regulation in England.
Read MoreHouse of Lords reject mandatory taxi accessibility proposals
The House of Lords has voted down a proposed amendment that would have required all taxis in England to meet minimum accessibility standards within three years.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on welfare of flat‑faced breeds as ministers highlight existing licensing controls
The UK Government has been questioned in Parliament over the welfare of brachycephalic (flat‑faced) animals, with ministers pointing to current licensing frameworks as a key part of their response.
Read MoreGovernment publishes long‑awaited Martyn’s Law Statutory Guidance & consultation on section 12 guidance
The UK Government has published the long‑anticipated statutory guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Read MoreIoL Gambling Conference 2026
A new government amendment would give licensing authorities statutory powers to introduce gambling impact assessments—marking a significant shift from cumulative impact tools under the Licensing Act 2003. This emerging policy, alongside other key developments, will be examined at the IoL’s upcoming gambling conference.
Read MoreWhat are you interested in?
The Institute of Licensing’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) give members a direct route into the latest developments across key areas of licensing.
Read MoreRaft of licensing‑related bills set for second readings this week
A series of Private Members’ Bills with direct relevance to licensing and regulatory professionals are scheduled for their second reading in Parliament this week.
Read MoreWider licence extensions for pubs during World Cup
The government has confirmed that pubs across England and Wales will be allowed to stay open later during key matches of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
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