IoL Consultation Responses
IoL Updates & Blogs
What the events team is busy with
What the events team is busy with This is a particularly busy time of year for the events team as...
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Behind the scenes with IoL Communications
Behind the scenes with IoL Communications There’s a version of IoL communications you never see. The version before the polished...
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Licensing News
From the future of club culture to Martyn’s Law: NTC 2026 brings together some of the sector’s most influential voices
The Institute of Licensing's National Training Conference (NTC) 2026 is bringing together some of the biggest names in licensing, hospitality, security, law and government, with two headline sessions set to tackle the issues shaping the future of the sector.
Read MoreGostyngiad o 30% yn yr ardrethi busnes i leoliadau lletygarwch a hamdden ar y stryd fawr
Bydd tafarndai, bwytai, caffis, bariau, clybiau trwyddedig, gwestai, campfeydd, sinemâu a llawer o leoliadau poblogaidd eraill ar y stryd fawr ledled Cymru yn gweld eu biliau ardrethi yn gostwng 30% wrth i Lywodraeth Cymru gefnogi'r busnesau y mae pobl yn dibynnu arnyn nhw.
Read MoreDepartment launches second review of Northern Ireland licensing reforms
The Department for Communities has launched the second statutory review of measures introduced under the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021.
Read MorePublicans back minimum pricing and tougher off-trade controls, IAS report finds
A majority of publicans support measures designed to tackle cheap alcohol sales in the off-trade, including minimum unit pricing, tighter licensing controls and a lower drink-drive limit, according to new research from the Institute of Alcohol Studies.
Read MoreGambling Commission appoints new chair and issues key industry updates
The Gambling Commission has announced the appointment of Ruth Evans as its new chair, provided updates on General Election betting offences, reminded operators of upcoming deposit limit requirements, and called for proposals to reduce regulatory burdens.
Read MoreNorthern Ireland updates tobacco retailer rules ahead of new tobacco and vaping restrictions
New regulations have been made in Northern Ireland to update the tobacco retailer enforcement framework ahead of the implementation of wider restrictions on tobacco, vaping and nicotine products.
Read MoreScotland’s beer and pub industry supports 64,000 jobs and contributes £2.5bn to economy
Scotland’s beer and pub industry generated almost £2.5 billion for the Scottish economy and supported more than 64,000 jobs during 2025, according to new research commissioned by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA).
Read MoreWestminster defends ‘vertical drinking’ policy
Westminster City Council has rejected claims that its licensing proposals would amount to a ban on standing while drinking in pubs.
Read MoreEnglish Whisky has been granted protected status
English Whisky has been granted protected status, becoming the newest member of the UK's recognised whisky family.
Read MoreSIA sets out support and notification plans ahead of Martyn’s Law
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has provided an update on its preparations for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, setting out further details of the support, templates and notification system
Read MoreGovernment considers ban on trail hunting in England and Wales
The Government is progressing plans to prohibit trail hunting in England and Wales, following a consultation that attracted 184,000 responses.
Read MoreGovernment reaffirms plans for Taxi and PHV Bill
The Government has reaffirmed its intention to introduce a draft Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Bill, with improved accessibility for disabled passengers.
Read MoreLicensing Act 2003 (Permitted Temporary Activities) (Amendment) Order 2026
Government to increase Temporary Event Notice limits from January 2027
Read MoreMinisters outline plans for overnight visitor levy as mayors gain new revenue powers
Local leaders across England could soon be given the power to introduce a levy on overnight stays under government proposals designed to provide new funding for tourism, transport, cultural attractions and public service.
Read MoreLondon Assembly criticises Westminster licensing proposals for West End pubs
The London Assembly has approved a motion criticising Westminster City Council's draft licensing policy.
Read MoreTwo more admit General Election betting offences
Two more individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with betting offences relating to the timing of the 2024 UK General Election.
Read MoreNew Martyn’s Law guidance clarifies how to determine the principal use of multi-use premises
The Home Office has published new guidance to help organisations determine the “principal use” of premises.
Read MoreDevon taxi driver prosecuted over fraudulent Covid loans
Devon taxi driver who bought Turkish flat and pizza oven using fraudulent Covid loans ordered to repay more than £60,000.
Read MoreDBS reduces fees for checks and Update Service
The Disclosure and Barring Service will be reducing the fees for its products and services from 5 October 2026.
Read MoreMayfair restaurant retains licence after stabbing incident
A Mayfair restaurant where a customer allegedly suffered a serious throat injury during an incident last month has been allowed to remain open, subject to a series of stricter licensing conditions.
Read MoreGovernment pressed on Gambling Financial Risk Assessments as ministers defend Gambling Commission plans
The Government has faced Parliamentary scrutiny over the Gambling Commission's planned introduction of Financial Risk Assessments (FRAs).
Read MoreDigital proof of age for alcohol sales now in force as licensing authorities urged to update mandatory conditions
Digital proof of age can now be accepted for alcohol sales in licensed premises across England and Wales, following the coming into force of the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) (Amendment) Order 2026 on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
Read MoreLondon’s summer music season generated record attendance and significant economic impact
London’s stadiums, arenas and parks recorded their busiest summer on record, with millions of attendees and multiple venue milestones.
Read MoreInstitute of Licensing submits evidence to parliamentary inquiry on revitalising high streets
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has submitted written evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s inquiry
Read MoreGovernment launches review of local government reorganisation
The Government has formally launched a review of its local government reorganisation programme, withdrawing several previously announced decisions and pausing others to ensure the process is legally robust and aligned with ministerial priorities.
Read MoreWelsh Government confirms greyhound racing ban implementation is on track as first report sets out transition plan
The Welsh Government has confirmed that work to implement the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Act 2026 is progressing as planned.
Read MoreGovernment reiterates commitment to licensing animal rescues and sanctuaries, but consultation still pending
The Government has restated its intention to introduce a formal licensing and regulatory regime for animal rescues and sanctuaries, confirming that work is ongoing but that no consultation has yet been published.
Read MoreNew right‑to‑work enforcement duties from 1 October
Private hire operators will be legally required to carry out right‑to‑work checks on drivers from 1 October 2026.
Read MoreInspectorate calls for government review of public safety at events
The government should carry out a review of the arrangements for public safety at events, a new report from the policing inspectorate has found.
Read MoreSuccessful prosecution reinforces Chorley’s commitment to passenger safety
A private hire driver, licensed by Preston City Council, has been successfully prosecuted following an investigation involving the council.
Read MoreGovernment signals tougher licensing powers for gambling, vape shops and hospitality venues
The Prime Minister has signalled a significant shift in the Government’s approach to high‑street regulation.
Read More£10 Million Hospitality Grant Scheme launches in boost for independent pubs, restaurants and cafes
Village pubs, family-run restaurants, and cafés receive a boost as a new £10 million three-year Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched for applications.
Read MoreLondon launches the UK’s first self-driving licensed vehicles
London today became the first city in the UK to launch commercial self-driving licensed vehicles.
Read MoreThirty years of NTC, and one free place up for grabs
Enter our free prize draw for a place at NTC2026.
Read MoreGambling Commission newsletter – 1 September 2026
The Gambling Commission has issued a series of regulatory updates, including two licence suspensions, financial penalties for multiple operators and reminders on compliance obligations.
Read MorePubs to receive stronger protections under new planning rules, BBC reports
Pubs in England will be harder to convert into housing or offices under changes to national planning rules coming into force on Monday, according to the BBC.
Read MoreCouncil backs Best Bar None accreditation scheme for licensed venues
Chorley council has endorsed the introduction of the Best Bar None scheme in Chorley.
Read MorePM accelerates roll out of police rape and sexual offence teams
Deadline for police forces to have specialist teams in place brought forward by 18 months.
Read MoreSuspension of licences – BresBet Ltd and Bet St George Ltd
The Gambling Commission has suspended the operating licence of BresBet Ltd which runs bresbet.com and Bet St George Ltd which operates betstgeorge.com.
Read MoreQuinnBet (Gibraltar) Limited to pay £609,104 for regulatory failures
An online gambling business is to pay £609,104 after a Commission investigation revealed anti-money laundering and social responsibility failures.
Read MoreNewcastle proposes to abolish the Late Night Levy
Newcastle City Council is preparing to abolish its late‑night levy this autumn.
Read MoreGweithio gyda’n gilydd i wneud Cymru yn gyrchfan ymwelwyr o’r radd flaenaf
Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, wants to be the biggest supporter of tourism and work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination.
Read MoreTreasury launches review to overhaul business rates system for pubs and hotels
The Treasury has announced a wide‑ranging review of how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates.
Read MoreUpdated DBS Update Service guidance now available
DBS has updated its Update Service guidance to help employers and organisations use the service more effectively as part of safer recruitment and safer employment practices.
Read MoreSIA consults on changes to security licence qualifications
The Security Industry Authority has launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the content and requirements of licence-linked qualifications.
Read MoreSharp rise in security guards’ right‑to‑work failures
More than 20,000 licences have been revoked since the start of 2023 because the holder no longer had permission to work in the UK.
Read MoreUber driver takes TfL to court over licence renewal delays that left him unable to work
An Uber driver who fell into severe debt and feared losing his home after Transport for London (TfL) failed to renew his private hire licence on time has launched a landmark High Court challenge against the regulator.
Read MoreLondon driverless taxi rollout stalls as operators await licensing guidance
London’s driverless taxi rollout has been pushed back as Transport for London confirms it is not yet ready to accept applications from operators seeking approval to run autonomous passenger services.
Read MoreLondon driverless taxi rollout stalls as operators await licensing guidance
London’s driverless taxi rollout has been pushed back as Transport for London confirms it is not yet ready to accept applications from operators seeking approval to run autonomous passenger services.
Read MoreMayors given call in powers over major planning decisions
Mayors across England are to be given call in powers over major planning decisions, with national thresholds set outside London for the first time.
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