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Inside the IoL Policy and Stakeholder Team
Inside the IoL Policy and Stakeholder Team Supporting the Profession, Shaping Policy and Building Partnerships Sue Nelson, Director of Policy...
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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
Updated anti-social behaviour guidance reinforces licensing as key tool for tackling alcohol-related nuisance
The Government has updated its statutory guidance on anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers, reaffirming that the licensing regime remains the primary mechanism for dealing with alcohol-related nuisance.
Read MoreWestminster calls for stronger powers to tackle unlicensed street fundraising
Westminster City Council is calling for legislative reform to give licensing authorities stronger powers to tackle unlicensed street fundraising.
Read MoreCasino operators face £5m settlement over regulatory failings
Three major casino operators owned by Rank Group have agreed to pay £5 million following a Gambling Commission investigation that uncovered significant anti-money laundering and safer gambling failures across their land-based operations.
Read MoreNorthern Ireland moves ahead with ‘Lucy’s Law’ to tackle puppy farming
Northern Ireland has taken a significant step towards introducing its own version of Lucy’s Law, with proposals approved to crack down on puppy farming and ban third-party commercial sales of puppies and kittens.
Read MoreUKHospitality calls for licensing reform in new blueprint for high streets
A major new report from UKHospitality has urged Government and local authorities to overhaul licensing and planning systems, arguing that regulatory barriers are preventing hospitality businesses from playing a fuller role in the regeneration of town and city centres.
Read MoreTwo men sentenced after operating an illegal gambling den
Two men have been given suspended prison sentences for possessing and transferring criminal funds obtained through the running of illegal poker games in Cardiff.
Read MoreIoL launches new strategy to strengthen the licensing profession
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has launched an ambitious new five-year strategy aimed at strengthening professional standards, expanding qualifications and working towards Royal Charter status by 2030.
Read MoreConcerns raised over greyhound rehoming as Wales prepares for racing ban
Concerns have been raised about the future rehoming of racing greyhounds as Wales moves forward with plans to become the first UK nation to ban the sport.
Read MoreLGA urges Government to introduce retail licensing to strengthen vape enforcement
The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on the Government to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vape sellers as part of a package of measures designed to strengthen enforcement.
Read MoreWales aligns minimum alcohol pricing with Scotland to “help save lives”
The Welsh Government has increased the minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol from 50p to 65p per unit, bringing Wales into line with Scotland in a move ministers say could prevent hundreds of alcohol-related deaths and reduce harmful drinking.
Read MoreSouthampton taxi driver fined after offering illegal rides in Reading
A Southampton City Council-licensed private hire driver has been ordered to pay £1,274 in fines and costs after Reading Licensing officers caught him illegally plying for hire in West Reading.
Read MoreMonkey rescued from poor living conditions in Greenwich
A common marmoset monkey has been rescued following a joint council investigation, which found the primate living in poor welfare conditions and kept without a licence at a house in Greenwich.
Read MoreHospitality has the highest tax burden in the economy, new data reveals
Hospitality has the highest effective tax rate of any sector in the UK, leading to fewer jobs for young people, foregone investment, and higher prices for customers.
Read MoreNorthern Ireland minister rules out major gambling law overhaul but review planned
The Northern Ireland Minister for Communities has indicated that a comprehensive overhaul of gambling legislation is not currently planned.
Read MoreNorthern Ireland Minister faces questions on progress of liquor licensing reform
Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has been questioned in the Assembly about the progress of alcohol licensing reform.
Read MoreNew gaming machine rules set to be introduced
New gaming machine standards to "make gaming machines fairer and safer for consumers" are to be introduced.
Read MoreInformation Commission succeeds the ICO as UK’s data protection regulator
The new Information Commission takes over the ICO’s functions, modernising the regulator’s governance while maintaining its independent oversight and existing powers to protect people’s personal data.
Read MoreAlcohol licensing figures published for England and Wales
The Home Office has published its latest annual statistics on alcohol and late-night refreshment licensing in England and Wales, covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026.
Read MorePan-London licensing framework proposed to regulate dockless bikes across London
The Mayor of London has set out plans for a new pan-London licensing framework for dockless e-bikes.
Read MoreGovernment strengthens firearms licensing safeguards
The Government said new licensing safeguards will strengthen public safety and help police assess risks.
Read MoreGovernment announces £210m funding package to revitalise town centres
The UK Government has announced a £210 million package aimed at bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use.
Read MoreWhy the IoL is backing “The Partnership Effect”
The Institute of Licensing (IoL) is proud to support The Partnership Effect: Supporting Safer Communities Through Collaboration and Local Action, taking place in Glasgow on 6 October.
Read MoreGambling Commission highlights enforcement action, industry data and regulatory updates
The Gambling Commission has published its latest fortnightly e-bulletin, outlining a series of enforcement actions, regulatory developments and research initiatives affecting the gambling sector.
Read MoreBurnham signals review of football alcohol ban
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated that the longstanding ban on football supporters drinking alcohol in view of the pitch could be reviewed.
Read MoreUK’s first flying taxi centre opens
The UK has taken a step towards the commercial reality of electric air taxis, with the opening of the country's first dedicated air taxi assembly centre at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire, according to a BBC News report.
Read MoreMinisters reject dog ownership licence scheme
The Government has ruled out introducing a dog ownership licensing scheme despite receiving a wide-ranging set of recommendations from the Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce.
Read MoreScottish Government to “consider” taxi licensing law changes after Highland Council rapist licence controversy
The Scottish Government has said it will consider reviewing Scotland’s licensing laws after renewed calls for convicted sex offenders to be automatically barred from holding taxi licences, following the high-profile controversy involving Highland Council’s handling of licences linked to a convicted rapist.
Read MoreGambling Commission reports rise in local inspections and intensifies crackdown on illegal gambling
The Gambling Commission has revealed a significant increase in gambling premises inspections by local authorities, while highlighting a series of enforcement operations targeting illegal gambling activity across England and Wales in its latest Licensing Authority Bulletin.
Read MoreRetailers urged to prepare for upcoming tobacco and vape law changes, says LGA
With 100 days remaining before new tobacco and vape regulations come into force, the Local Government Association (LGA) is urging retailers to ensure they are prepared for the changes.
Read MoreHospitality businesses urged to apply for £10 million grant scheme before October deadline
Hospitality businesses, community organisations and local partners are being reminded that applications remain open for the government's £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme, with the deadline set for 13 October.
Read MoreSIA outlines next steps on Martyn’s Law implementation in September newsletter
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has provided a further update on preparations for Martyn’s Law, highlighting new support tools, guidance and compliance resources being developed ahead of the legislation coming into force.
Read MoreConsultation on prohibiting third party betting on Powerball
Consultation on the proposal to prohibit third party operators licensed under the Gambling Act 2005 from offering bets on Powerball.
Read MoreFour arrests and £20,000 seized in illegal gambling raids
The Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team supported Greater Manchester Police during raids on four properties this week.
Read MoreGovernment seeks industry views on rapid online alcohol deliveries
The Home Office is seeking evidence from businesses involved in rapid online alcohol sales and deliveries as part of its ongoing review of how licensing laws apply to alcohol delivery services.
Read MoreSuspension of licence – Targetlocal Ltd
The Gambling Commission has suspended the combined remote operating licence of Targetlocal Ltd which trades as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and runs kenhowells.com.
Read MoreWelsh Government maintains focus on alcohol harm through strengthened minimum unit pricing measures
The Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling alcohol-related harm, with the continuation and strengthening of minimum unit pricing.
Read MoreScotland unveils local governance reforms with licensing powers set for community level
The Scottish Government has published proposals for a major overhaul of local governance that could replace Scotland's 32 councils with a new two-tier system of regional and community authorities.
Read MoreInvestigation suggests most UK puppy breeding occurs outside licensed system
New research by Naturewatch Foundation suggests that only an estimated 10.5% to 14% of puppies bred in the UK originate from licensed breeders.
Read MoreGovernment expands crackdown on knife crime
Targeted crackdown has reduced knife robberies by almost a quarter in 7 forces since June 2024 according to the Government.
Read MoreGovernment provides LGR clarity after councils call for urgent answers on review timetable
The Government has sought to provide further clarity on the future of its local government reorganisation (LGR) programme.
Read MoreAlcohol licence refused for troubled Cowley shop
An Oxford shop has been refused an alcohol licence following objections from Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards service.
Read MoreForest of Dean District Council has prosecuted an individual for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Mr. Oakley pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and of failing to meet the needs of animals in his care.
Read MoreSIA introduces mandatory refresher training and updated licence requirements
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has introduced updated training requirements for security professionals renewing or applying for licences, including mandatory refresher qualifications and enhanced first aid standards.
Read MoreTobacco and Vapes age verification regulations laid for 1 January 2027 commencement
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (Age Verification Defence to Underage Sales) (England and Wales) Regulations 2026 have been laid before Parliament.
Read MoreCommission releases gambling industry statistics for 2025 to 2026
The Gambling Commission has today published its Industry Statistics annual report for the financial year April 2025 to March 2026.
Read MoreCalls for licensing reform after Fleadh success highlighted in Assembly debate
More flexible alcohol and entertainment licensing rules should be considered in Northern Ireland following the success of the 2026 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast, MLAs heard during an Assembly debate.
Read More“Comprehensive ban” on gambling advertising recommended by new Lords report
A House of Lords committee has urged the Government to introduce a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, arguing that stronger action is needed to tackle gambling-related harm across Great Britain.
Read MoreFrom 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.
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