News

A taxi driver who preyed on a vulnerable 70-year-old passenger and extorted thousands of pounds from her has had his licence stripped by a council, magistrates and crown court judge.

AN UNLICENSED private hire driver, who was found to be illegally plying for hire in Reading, has been hit with financial penalties of over £900 and given eight penalty points on his licence.

A Bill to amend the Licensing Act 2003 so that licensing hours Orders can be made by negative resolution statutory instrument.

The Night Time Strategy for Wandsworth has been officially launched at Wandsworth Town Hall.

Uber is to launch Black Cabs in London, with drivers signing up from today and the service rolling out in early 2024.

The Scottish Government has acknowledged the ‘high levels of opposition’ to its initial proposals for new restrictions on alcohol marketing, and pledged to go back to the drawing board to find a ‘narrower’ set of measures that might attract wider support.

Edinburgh Council's licensing board has voted to change the city’s policy on festive trading hours from next year, with festive trading to be decided on a year-by-year basis.

The Institute of Licensing, in conjunction with NALEO, have written to the Minister for the Cabinet Office expressing the institute's concern over the lack of progress on a new gov.uk licensing forms system.

IoL Chairman Daniel Davies has confirmed that he will step down from his role as National Chairman of the Institute of Licensing in March 2024 after 9 years at the helm. Dan made the announcement at the National AGM held on 15th November during the National Training Conference.

The Commission has launched the second set of consultations on proposals contained in the White Paper and is calling for views from consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups.

The Scottish Government will hold more talks with public health stakeholders and the alcohol industry early next year to discuss ways of limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol promotions.

Pub and bar licensing hours could be extended if England, Wales or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of the Euros next year, subject to consultation.

An undercover investigation from BBC Radio 4 programme ‘File on 4’ has found door supervisors obtaining fraudulent work licences after attending “sham training courses”.

The Commission has released its 2023 Young People and Gambling Report - an annual study which helps understand children’s and young people’s exposure to, and involvement in, all types of gambling.

Letter to the Minister for Security regarding the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, dated 10 November 2023, expressing concern about ongoing delays.

A man who posed as a taxi driver has admitted raping women he picked up as they made their way home from nights out.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals for offences relating to licensing of private hire vehicles.

The Gambling Commission has set out its next round of consultations implementing the recommendations of the Government's Gambling Act Review White Paper.

East Suffolk Council has successfully defended its decision to revoke the hackney carriage and private hire driver’s licences of a driver who had committed two minor traffic offences within a year of being relicensed following a serious crash.

Updated best practice guidance puts more emphasis on making taxi and PHV services more accessible to disabled people.

IoL Chairman’s Special Recognition Awards have been presented to Suzanne Fisher, Dave Nevitt, Inspector Alan McKeon and PC Diane Park.  The awards were announced and presented at the IoL’s Annual Gala Dinner, last night (Thursday 16th November 2023).

The IoL and Poppleston Allen Solicitors are delighted to announce John Miley as the winner of the 2023 Jeremy Allen Award.

More than 44,000 net outlets have been lost since 2003, equivalent to just over six closures every day for the last two decades.

Scotland’s hospitality trade associations – the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA), Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Hospitality Group (SHG), Night Time Industry Association (NTIA) and UKHospitality-Scotland – have joined forces to oppose a proposed cut to festive trading hours.

On 30 June 2023 a West Bromwich man was convicted at Birmingham Magistrates' Court for working illegally as a door supervisor.

The government has introduced legislation to update the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

The Council have had approval to start another consultation on a late night levy after the initial six-week consultation following recommended changes to the proposed scheme.

Plans to modernise beach hut licences and introduce a transfer fee will help to support the council’s seafront services Brighton & Hove Council said.

A company that claimed to be raising money to fight knife crime has been hit with a hefty fine for illegally collecting money in Manchester.

The law changes today to make possession of nitrous oxide illegal from 8 November 2023 if it is, or is likely to be, wrongfully inhaled, by classifying it as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and placing it in Schedule 5 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Guidance on the changes has been published by the Home Office.

The King's speech at the formal opening of Parliament on 7th November makes reference to Martyn's Law and new arrangements for London pedicabs.

Latimer Cattery was given an on-the-spot suspension notice after an unannounced inspection by North Northamptonshire Council, accompanied by the RSPCA, earlier this year.

A taxi driver has been convicted of fraud & driving without insurance after using a fake taxi licence since July 2018 following an investigation by Stockport’s Taxi Licensing team.

The Gambling Commission has published further data on the gambling industry in Great Britain.

On Tuesday 17 October, Victor Obi pleaded guilty at Bexley Magistrates' Court for three offences contrary to the Fraud Act 2006.

Glasgow city centre pubs will be able to stay open for an extra hour under a new trial.

A Glasgow venue using dancers body-heat to create sustainable energy was among licensed premises honoured at the city's prestigious Best Bar None Awards.

The LGA has produced a range of tip sheets to support members of licensing committees.

The LGA has updated its guidance on taking a whole council approach to tackling gambling related harms.

The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill becomes law after receiving Royal Assent.

"Vigilantism is illegal, and the SIA does not support or agree with licence holders who take the law into their own hands."

The Department for Business & Trade have issued a Call for Evidence in relation to smarter regulation and the regulatory landscape. with a view to understanding what works well and what could be improved in how regulators operate to deliver for the sectors they serve.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) today announces the official launch of 'Darkest Before the Dawn'', its 2024 Night Time Economy Manifesto. Written by Philip Kolvin KC in collaboration with key stakeholders, the manifesto is the first of its kind in the UK, and signifies a  milestone in NTIA’s advocacy for a thriving and secure night time economy throughout the United Kingdom.

The Institute of Licensing has submitted a response to the DHSC consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.

The Government has launched its consultation on the introduction of a statutory levy for gambling operators, as proposed in the gambling white paper published in April this year.

On 13 October 2023 two men from Binbrook were prosecuted at Humber Magistrates' Court. They worked as illegal security in 2020 for G4 Fuels Ltd in Market Rasen.

St Stephen's Church in Arras Square, Ipswich, can now remain open and serve alcohol as late as 02:00 on some days.

Belfast City Council has extended its temporary pavement café licensing scheme until the end of December with consultation now underway on a proposed permanent scheme starting in January 2024.

Figures published by TfL indicates a continued decline of licensed Black Cab licensed and increase in licensed PHVs in the capital.

The LGA has renewed its call for the ability to hold remote meetings as Government signals intention to remove amendment to Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill.

Possession of nitrous oxide, also known as ‘laughing gas’, will be illegal from 8 November 2023.

Shiva foundation has published a report, a comprehensive exploration of the role licensing frameworks and teams can play in addressing modern slavery, offers vital insights including policy recommendations for national and local government and practical guidance for licensing and enforcement officers.

A House of Commons Library Research Briefing on the Draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill has been published including an update on the current status of the draft Bill.

A MOLD pub has had its licensed hours cut and live music licence revoked due to anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance amongst other complaints.

On Wednesday 27 September 2023, a Cardiff man was prosecuted at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court for working as illegal security.

The PCA has published a report into its findings following its thematic review into how pub companies manage repairs and dilapidations. Engagement with tenants and pub companies will continue to ensure they discover what is driving levels of dissatisfaction and implement strategies for improvement.

Wolverhampton City Council has denied that it has acted improperly by licensing large numbers of minicab drivers who operate in other areas, after a BBC investigation found 9,000 drivers in Greater Manchester - one-third of the region’s total - had licences issued by Wolverhampton.

Under the scheme, the council could refuse drivers a licence if they have more than 7 points on their DVLA licence for minor traffic offences until at least five years after the completion of any sentence imposed, according to a report by the Local Government Lawyer.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is consulting on guidance to identification, assessment and management.

The Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG), has published best practice guidance to support rapid delivery businesses and to help them prevent minors from obtaining alcohol.

The SIA responds to the issues raised by BBC File on 4 on training malpractice in the delivery of SIA licence-linked qualifications.

The HMRC has published its screening equality impact assessment for tax conditionality licensing in taxi and scrap metal sectors.

Ahead of the King’s Speech on 7th November, Westminster City Council is calling for the Government’s long-promised and much-needed Transport Bill to be part of the legislative agenda.

Shetland Council has opened a 12-week consultation on its Gambling Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) today announces a significant milestone in its mission to strengthen the nighttime economy across the United Kingdom.

The Welsh Deputy Minister for Climate Change gave an update on the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (Wales) Bill

Businesses need to ensure they are prepared for the ban on certain single use plastic items coming into effect this weekend, the Local Government Association said.

On 14 September 2023, at Hastings Magistrates' Court, an Eastbourne company director was prosecuted for supplying illegal security.

The Department of Health and Social Care said "More people could be encouraged to purchase alcohol-free drinks under government proposals to make alternatives to alcoholic drinks more widely available."

Pubs, museums and sports clubs across the United Kingdom have been given vital funding from Government to secure their future for generations to come.

From 2 October 2023, applicants must complete a tax check to renew a relevant licence; licensing bodies will have to obtain confirmation that an applicant has completed a tax check before making a decision on their renewal application.

A new law requiring the operators of short-term lets to have a licence has come into force across Scotland.

The IoL has responded to the DCMS consultation on land based gamblng measures.

We are asking members to help inform the IoL response to the DHSC consultation. Your views are essential in ensuring that our response accurately reflects the potential concerns about the scope of the proposals and what will happen with existing  licensing arrangements across the country.

The IoL has submitted its response to the Scottish Government's consultation on the licensing of activities involving animals.

The Welsh Government has published a summary of responses to the consultation on its White Paper outlining potential reform for Taxis and Private Hire licensing.

The "Alcohol licensing: guidance on temporary off-sales permissions" has been updated.

A taxi driver who sexually assaulted a young woman has been jailed – thanks to the quick-thinking and tenacity of his victim.

Worcestershire's senior coroner "to submit" a ‘prevention of future death report’ to Wychavon Council and Worcestershire Regulatory Services – saying that unless animal licensing improvements are made, there would continue to be a “heightened risk of danger” to those buying unlicensed dogs.

The Gambling Commission has penned a letter to Racing Post’s readers following months of "imbalanced stories", on a daily basis, about the ongoing financial risk consultation and frequently failed to seek a right of reply from the Commission.

Action reinforces UK’s commitment to delivering better animal welfare standards both at home and abroad.

This publication reports on the operation and effect of the minimum pricing provisions during the first five years of the provisions being in force.

The Scottish Government are consulting on whether Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) should be continued as part of the range of policy measures in place to address alcohol related harm, and, in the event of its continuation, the level the minimum unit price should be set going forward.

Two pubs a day have disappeared in England and Wales in the first half of the year, according to government statistics.

The O2 Academy Brixton can reopen once it has met 77 "extensive and robust" conditions "designed to promote public safety".

National Pubwatch (NPW), the voluntary organisation which works to promote safe, secure and social drinking environments, has launched its latest range of free information films to help licensees and pubwatches.

The Gambling Commission has announced the establishment of an Industry Forum to provide the Commission with further insight into the views of operators.

Paul Haywood Dowson was sentenced on Tuesday 12 September at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Music, UK Music’s Interim Chief Executive Tom Kiehl and Policy and Campaign Officer Dougie Brown presented UK Music’s A Manifesto for Music.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) chairwoman Adrienne Carmichael has written to First Minister Humza Yousaf, warning licensing regulations may be in breach of privacy and data protection legislation.

The Government have published The Alcohol Licensing (Coronavirus) (Regulatory Easements) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 to extend the alcohol licensing regulatory easements relating to off-sales until 31 March 2025.

Department for Business and Trade are seeking views on proposed reforms to the Provision of Services Regulations 2009, under the Retained EU Law programme.

An investigation carried out by Buckinghamshire Council into illegal dog breeding and animal cruelty has led to the prosecution and conviction of two individuals.

The Defra Animal Welfare Committee completed its year-long investigation and report regarding snake enclosure sizes and welfare. Following extensive study of the evidence and consultation including academic scientists, veterinarians, and trade stakeholders, the report decisively concluded that enclosures must be large enough to allow snakes to fully stretch their bodies at will.

The government has confirmed that secondary legislation will be brought forward to control nitrous oxide as a Class C substance.

Stonegate Group, the UK's biggest pub chain, says 800 of its 4,000 pubs will introduce "dynamic pricing" during evenings and weekends.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Licencing Committee has revoked the licence of a public house in Nuneaton town centre on advice from Warwickshire Police.

A "leading" veterinarian has recommended a licensing regime for American Bully XL dogs as an option to be considered.

Jobseekers are now able to access a new Government-backed employment programme designed to fill vacancies in the hospitality sector.

The Government concludes that it is necessary to control nitrous oxide, but recognises that there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide in many sectors, including medical, industrial and catering. As a result, it is intended to ensure that those wishing to use nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes can continue to do so lawfully and without undue burdens.

The National Anti Fraud Network, that hosts the National Register of Refusals, Revocations and Suspensions, have published a set of frequency answered questions.

The licence was granted for a restricted period of one year, following an objection from Police Scotland.

A consultation by the Government’s senior traffic commissioner includes proposals that would see Scottish football buses to only stops at pubs if a 'substantial meal' is also to be consumed.

The consultation seeks to understand the full range of legitimate uses of nitrous oxide and proposes three options for how to approach a regime of control.

The consultation from the Department of Health and Social Care seeks views on what procedures should be in scope of the licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England.

Government to seek views on how to make non-surgical cosmetic procedures safer for consumers

The College of Policing have published updated guidance on firearms licensing – which is the process of controlling access to firearms, including shotguns, to keep the public safe.

A Licensing Review Hearing into the immediate future of the Brixton Academy will be held at Lambeth Town Hall on 11th and 12th September.

First Minister Humza Yousaf has ruled out a further delay to short-term let licensing.

Scottish statistics show that there was a 2% increase in alcohol-specific deaths in Scotland.

Remote gambling operators are advised to read this update on the introduction of new remote customer interaction guidance following consultation.

IAS report finds there is strong and consistent evidence that on-trade alcohol availability is related to violence, but evidence regarding a similar association between off-trade availability and violence is more mixed.

A council service criticised by a coroner after a boy was mauled to death by a Rottweiler has said dog licensing is a top priority.

The legislative process to extend the existing tax checks that apply to public sector licensing in England and Wales to similar licences in Scotland and Northern Ireland is now complete.

This guidance relates to the alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and Planning Act 2020 only.

Pubs are calling for more flexible licensing laws during national events, such as Sunday's Women's World Cup final.

In a letter to licensing authorities, Michael Gove said "To help make this happen at this unique national moment, we would welcome any additional support you may be able to give to ensure that, for example, where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours".

The Government's "Tell us Once" service - that lets people report a death to most government organisations in one go - now includes notification in relation to licences and permits.

The Campaign for Pubs has written to the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, calling on him to wake up and act to change the law to stop the predatory purchasing and asset-stripping of historic pubs, following the appalling case of the Crooked House in Himley, Staffordshire.

An applicant refused a taxi licence by Swansea Council has been ordered to pay £4,000 in costs after his appeal against the decision was thrown out by a judge.

The Home Office has updated the Licensing Act 2003 statutory guidance to reflect the policy change in respect of regulatory easement.

The Commission is "very concerned" at the significant increase in the misuse of statistics around gambling as different parties seek to make persuasive arguments for or against different proposals.

The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 has come into force extending pavement licence renewal dates to 30th September 2024.

The Home Office have issued an update today (14/08/23) on the policy change relating to Regulatory Easements.

Recent figures released by NTIA through CGA have shown the huge impact on nightclubs across the UK over the last 3 years, with only 1130 nightclubs left across the UK, which is down substantially since the pandemic and subject to further change in the current economic climate.

The Government has published an alcohol intervention checklist and toolkit for police forces focused on police led interventions.

The Government should blow the full-time whistle on outdated charging regulations that mean the local taxpayer is having to foot the £1 million annual bill for sports clubs to have ground safety certification.

Owners of short-term let properties are being urged to apply for a licence under Scotland’s short-term licensing scheme before the 1 October 2023 deadline.

This public consultation invites views on the operational impact and workability of the newly drafted Code of Practice for the statutory two-tier framework of Out of Court Disposals, as set out in The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act 2022.

The Local Government Association has published its response to the "Gambling Related Harm APPG White Paper Inquiry Launch".

A rogue taxi driver who lied about having a previous licence revoked and operated under false pretences for six years has been prosecuted by Blaby District Council

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) is very concerned about the ongoing, unmanaged risks arising from non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as Botox and fillers. Until the Government’s proposed new licensing system is in place, people using these treatments face a greater risk of harm.

Tourism projects across Wales have won a share of the Welsh Government’s £5 million Brilliant Basics Fund to help deliver a first-class holiday experience.

On Thursday 29 June 2023, a Bournemouth company director, and his business were prosecuted at Poole Magistrates' Court for supplying unlicensed security.

The High Court has decided that IGT lacks the legal standing to bring this legal claim against the Commission and therefore IGT’s claims have been dismissed, meaning it can no longer pursue a claim for damages.

As the volume and complexity of driving licence applications or renewals where the applicant has 1 or more medical condition increases, the government believes that the time is right to review the existing legal framework.

Hekuran Gjeta, 45, who had successfully obtained licenses in 2013, 2016 and 2019, claimed not to have realised he needed to tell the Vale of White Horse District Council when he renewed his licence in 2022 about a 2009 police caution for threatening behaviour or that in 2011 Oxford City Council had refused to grant him a hackney carriage licence.

A report has said that the draft legislation for Martyn's Law, would be ineffective, burdensome on small businesses and hard to apply consistently.

The Home Office have updated the Statutory Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. The amendments are the inclusion of additional material to support licensing authorities and applicants when considering the provision of healthcare and counter terrorism at venues.

Uber and App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) have been successful in a landmark ruling that will change the landscape of the private hire vehicle (PHV) sector.

The Gambling Commission is consulting on a series of proposed changes to the requirements on gambling businesses, through the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) and Remote Gambling and Software Technical Standards (RTS).   They are also consulting on proposed changes to arrangements for Regulatory Panels.

The DCMS is consulting  on proposals for the introduction of a maximum stake limit for online slots games in Great Britain.This consultation closes at 11:55pm on 20 September 2023

The DCMS are consulting on proposed measures relating to the land-based gambling sector, including proposals to relax casino rules, amend the ratios relating to machines in arcades and bingo halls, removing the prohibition on using debit cards for gambling machines, reviewing age limits for Cat D machines and reviewing licence fees.

UK Music has published a new report called “Here, There and Everywhere”.

According to reports, the alcohol trade is being surveyed by the Scottish Government on the MUP, with options including keeping it at 50p, or increases to 60p, 70p, 80p or more than 80p.

A taxi driver has been fined and had his licence put under review, after caught picking up fares without a booking and invalid insurance, in an undercover operation by Telford and Wrekin Council.

The Home Office has published a toolkit developed by Alcohol Change UK, to provide additional support to police forces across England and Wales.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully prosecuted three companies for private hire vehicle licensing offences.

The Government had originally confirmed that provisions relating to off-sales and TENs will not be extended, but will revert to the pre-covid position when the BPA measures expire. UPDATE 14TH AUGUST: That position looks set to change as it has been widely reported that the provisions will now be extended and the gov.uk website has been updated to remove the detail previously shown under 'next steps'.

Mr Restat Yilmaz, owner of a late-night refreshment premises known as Speedy Peppers in Worksop, has been prosecuted for "serious" breaches of both the Licensing Act 2003 and the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974.

The Commission said it will "this month" open our first consultations in the implementation of the Government’s Gambling Act Review White Paper.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has been working with the Government and the Gambling Commission to support the delivery of new safeguards for gambling consumers.

Mr Asmeron Kiflay GHAYM was successfully prosecuted at Oxford Magistrates Court on 30th June 2023 for driving a Private Hire Vehicle without a licence and without valid insurance in November 2022.

Betfred will pay a £3.25 million settlement to socially responsible causes after a Gambling Commission investigation found failings in anti-money laundering (AML) and safer gambling measures in place at the bookmaker’s betting shops.

The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 has been signed in to law.

House of Commons Committee report finds that tourism makes a significant contribution to the Welsh economy, providing employment for around 12% of the Welsh workforce.

The Government has published amended late night levy guidance.

A three-day rave at a Georgian manor house has been cancelled by authorities on the day it was due to start.

The DfT has published the 2023 Taxi and Private Hire vehicle statistics including, for the first time, tables that include data for Wales.

A former taxi driver has been ordered to pay nearly £2,000 after driving a hackney carriage without a valid driver’s licence.

A £300,000 fund to provide support for food and drink festivals and events across Wales opens for applications.

The Scottish Government are seeking views on proposals to extend licensing to currently unlicensed animal-related services and update the licensing framework for other currently licensed animal-related services.

Suella Braverman, Secretary of State for the Home Department, has issued a statement in Safer Streets Round Five.

PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group have named Fuller's as this year's Corporate Community Hero.

Mr Shaun and Mrs Sue Hunt from Sutton Lane, Hilton were found guilty of unlicensed dog breeding from their home address and ordered to pay fines totalling £24,179.70 at Derby Magistrates’ Court earlier this week (Monday, 26 June).

Seven new gambling addiction clinics will open this summer as NHS services face record demand, chief executive Amanda Pritchard announced today.

Local authorities are being asked to encourage society lottery operators not to sell tickets to anyone under the age of 18, ahead of legislative changes planned to increase the legal age limit.

The Department for Communities, part of the Northern Ireland Executive, has announced that it has opened the window for submission of draft codes of practice which have been produced by a person or group who have a relevant interest in matters surrounding intoxicating liquor in licensed premises and/or registered clubs.

South Wales Police said in a submission to the council that any expansion of the late-night economy would have consequences for policing, and that these consequences would be felt throughout the force's Swansea and Neath Port Talbot division.

Parklife founder Sacha Lord has formally threatened legal action against the government over drug checking at festivals.

The National Audit Office has published an insight report on effective local regulation including the role of licensing as a regulatory tool.

DfT publish revised home-to-school travel statutory guidance including updated guidance on information sharing between licensing and education authorities.

A Coalville shop has been stripped of its licence to sell alcohol after Trading Standards seized more than 1,000 illicit tobacco products in a year.

Queens Lounge, also known as Tasty’s Restaurant, in Oldham Road, has for a number of years been the source of complaints for nearby residents, who have reported significant noise disturbance as well as anti-social behaviour taking place.

The statutory guidance has been updated to help local authorities perform their functions in relation to home to school travel for children of compulsory school age.

The consultation seeks views on seeking views on a number of recommendations made to the government relating to firearms licensing. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 23 August 2023

LGA survey finds one in 10 councils have had a councillor step down in their authority since May 2021 due to the requirement for them to attend council meetings in-person.

The NTIA & UKDSA have expressed "huge concern" over our ability to protect the public, with an estimated 4,000 frontline security resource supply companies working within the hospitality and night time economy which are untraceable by the Regulator and key Government departments.

In 2021, one in 14 jobs in Scotland was in the food and accommodation service sector, adding around £1.3 billion to the Scottish economy quarterly. Yet, average pay in the hospitality sector is significantly lower than the Scottish average – in fact, accommodation and food services has the lowest median hourly pay of any industry, at £10 in 2022. Across all sectors, the Scottish median hourly wage was £15 for the same time period.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has found that a borough council “failed to communicate” with a taxi driver after it received untrue allegations against him.

In a judgment handed down today, Fordham J has decided that “premises” for the purposes of Part 4, Chapter 3 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, are not an “area” or a “locality” or “any line drawn on a map” but must be somewhere which is objectively identifiable as a distinctive property or a distinctive part of a property.

MPs have rejected an attempt by Labour to force the government to revive its flagship animal welfare bill.

Police Scotland has announced a crackdown on adults illegally purchasing alcohol for minors.

Defra are consulting on proposals to introduce a specialist private primate keeper licensing regime in England, through regulations made under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Sacha Lord founder of Parklife, says the Home Office informed him that a special licence would be needed for this year's Parklife 48 hours before the start of the event, but the application process takes three months.

Wales Online reported that the driver asked to use a customer's toilet in her house before forcing his way into her bedroom and raping her.

The PMA reported that the new multi-site accreditation scheme, the first issued by Best Bar None, covers Greene King’s nationwide.

Parents and carers across the city of Wolverhampton are being urged to carry out important checks before hiring vehicles for Prom night.

The Gambling Commission has published further data showing how gambling behaviour is reacting to current environmental factors in Great Britain.

Government’s plan to grow the creative industries by £50bn and support a million more jobs by 2030, with £77m of new funding for the sector announced.

Seven Stoke-on-Trent taxi drivers have been fined after a police sting found they 'put the public at risk'.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have published the Regulations necessary to extend the Pavement Licensing regime beyond September 2023.

The nomination period for the 2023 award runs from 12th June and nominations are invited by 3rd parties by no later than 8th September 2023

The refreshed five-year strategy remains focussed on quality and safeguarding.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s licensing scheme for short-term lets operators has been deemed unlawful at the Court of Session.

The Home Office's Alcohol Licensing Fees Consultation ends on 22 June 2023.

PPB Counterparty Services Limited, trading as Paddy Power and Betfair, is to pay £490,000 for sending promotional push notifications to devices linked to customers who had self-excluded.

The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 was implemented on the 2nd March 2020. This report provides findings on attitudes and behaviours around alcohol consumption and to perceptions of the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol.

The Scottish Government's Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing Best Practice Guidance has been published.

Industry body and local government call for action on ‘risky’ procedures and cosmetic treatment market.

The Home Office has published standard terrorism evaluation and draft standard terrorism evaluation guidance that will accompany the Terrorism (Protection of premises) Bill.

More than 100 taxis were randomly spot checked in a recent multi-agency operation near East Midlands Airport.

The rules for completing a tax check changed on 4 April 2022 in England and Wales, and will change on 2 October 2023 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Institute of Licensing has published its response to the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (Wales) Bill White Paper.

A bill aimed at banning live animal exports and introducing powers to tackle puppy smuggling has been dropped by the government.

The LGA has produced a flyer to promote being on a licensing committee to new councillors.

The LGA has reminded councils to remember to update the Environment Agency with scrap metal licences.

This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposals to introduce penalty notices for animal health and welfare offences in England.

As part of the commission's role as a "people-focussed and evidence-led regulator", it has set out its "Evidence Gaps and Priorities" direction of travel for the next three years.

The Gambling Commission has published its statistics on participation and problem gambling for the year to March 2023 showing that overall participation in any gambling activity (in the last four weeks) remained statistically stable at 44 percent.

The Public Accounts Committee's "Alcohol treatment services" report has concluded that the Government is not taking “appalling” harms from alcohol seriously enough.

A private hire driver must pay nearly £2,000 in fines after being found guilty of a string of driving offences at last year’s Henley Regatta.

Taxi association fails to obtain permission for judicial review of South Cambridgeshire District Council’s CCTV policy

Baker Greggs and Westminster City Council have reached a deal in their dispute over whether an outlet in Leicester Square can sell hot food all night.

The Houses in Multiple Occupation (Asylum-Seeker Accommodation) (England) Regulations 2023 ("the Regulations") will temporarily exempt landlords that enter into a tenancy with asylum seekers after the date in which the Regulations come into force from the obligation to obtain a HMO licence for a period of two years.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched 8 new guidance videos for licence applicants and existing licence holders.

The Government has published its response to the consultation on the level of the late night levy to late night refreshment premises and will now go ahead with the option for local authorities to offer a 30% reduction to LNR providers that qualify for small business rates relief.

The House of Lords has debated the Liaison Committee Report on the Licensing Act 2003. Particular areas of focus include the co-ordination of licensing and planning systems; the agent of change principle; training; access to licensed premises for disabled people; the night-time economy; the pricing and taxation of alcohol; the sale of alcohol airside at airports; application systems; and the national database for personal licence holders.

The Secretary of State’s introduction to the white paper makes a number of bold claims, amongst them being: “we will tackle aggressive advertising”. This article by Gerald Gouriet KC takes a look at the proposals in the white paper relating to gambling advertising generally (aggressive or otherwise), and questions the extent to which it is tackled at all.

Our Animal Welfare Officer has successfully led a prosecution in relation to the operation of an unlicensed dog breeding establishment at Wyke Heather, Normandy, Guildford.

Wealden District Council has prosecuted a Heathfield woman for running an illegal cattery. Mrs Mandy Papps, of 39 Swaines Way Heathfield pleaded guilty to Hastings Magistrates Court, admitting to running a cattery business at her home without a licence from Wealden District Council.

In a blog post, Tim Miller, the Commission's Executive Director for research and policy, explains what the Commission will do to implement the Gambling Act Review White Paper.

Leeds’ licensing and public health teams worked together to develop an alcohol licensing data matrix. This matrix demonstrates where a locality is at risk of health harms from licensing activity by ranking localities against each other through comparing different data sets.

Following the tragic Manchester Arena terror attack in 2017, at which 22 people lost their lives, Manchester City Council proactively took steps to embed the principles of Martyn’s Law within the existing licensing framework to enhance and promote public safety in places and spaces where licensable activities take place in Manchester.

A Maidenhead night club has won permission to judicially review a decision by the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to give planning permission for a regeneration scheme that would include its site.

This consultation is aimed at organisations or individuals that manufacture, sell or use nitrous oxide as part of their business or for those who use it in a personal capacity where it is not used for its psychoactive effects.

These regulations amend the current regulations to take account of the changes required to the existing form of licence, as a result of provisions within The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021.

The Institute of Licensing's response to the Home Office's consultation on Licensing Act 2003 Regulatory Easements.

Tamworth Borough Council has successfully prosecuted former White Lion pub landlord for health and safety breaches which caused a customer to fall down cellar stairs on the 6 March 2022, causing injuries requiring surgery.

‘Martyn’s Law’ (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill) has been published along with Explanatory Notes, an Impact Assessment and a letter from Tom Tugendhat, Security Minister, to Dame Diana Johnson, Chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee about the Bill.

This white paper sets out the government’s plan for reform of gambling regulation following the review of the Gambling Act 2005.

From Thursday (27 April 2023), all Licensing Authorities in England are mandated to use the NR3S under the Taxi and Private Hire (Safety and Road Safety) Vehicle Act 2022. For Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, use of the database remains voluntary.

GambleAware has launched a new campaign to tackle the stigma around gambling harms, after research showed 75 per cent of those who experience problems with gambling don’t feel able to open up to family and friends.

Applications are now open for the RSPCA’s PawPrints awards, which recognises public bodies who go the extra mile for animals and their welfare.

The Government have published a consultation on a registration scheme for short-term lets in England, accompanied by the findings of a call for evidence held in 2022 on the development of a registration scheme.

Report and recommendations of the independent review carried out by Simon Bailey CBE, QPM.

Bakery chain Greggs is seeking mediation over a licensing dispute with Westminster City Council ahead of court action due next month.

The Licensing Act 2003 (Coronation Licensing Hours) Order 2023 passes the last hurdle under the draft affirmative procedure.

The Institute of Licensing has published its response to the Welsh Government's consultation on Special Procedures Consultation.

A District Judge has dismissed a challenge by a south London nightclub to the use of a remote hearing procedure by the London Borough of Lewisham to revoke its premises licence.

New amendments relating to virtual meetings by local authorities and transferring control of taxi and private hire vehicle licensing to both combined authorities and upper-tier authorities.

The BBC reported that a bar has kept its licence after accusations of underage drinking and claims of sexual harassment.

Valesha’s Nightclub in Walsall has had its premises licence revoked following the murder of Akeem Francis-Kerr inside the venue shortly after 5am on 11 March 2023.

Silks, a south London nightclub, has appealed against a decision by the London Borough of Lewisham revoking its premises licence, following a number of incidents of violent disorder at the premises last year.

Updated to reflect the new duties due to come into force 27 April 2023.

Poppleston Allen reported that Bolton Council have resolved to consult on a Late Night Levy.

It's been widely reported that more than 150 pubs have been forced to close their doors in English and Welsh communities due to spiking energy bills.

The Home Office is conducting an "informal survey" of Licensing Authorities in England and Wales to determine the costs associated with alcohol licences.

People who work with children in England will be legally required to report child sexual abuse or face prosecution under government plans. These plans will apply to taxi and private hire licensing.

British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) urges Government to ensure suppliers offer a renegotiation window for pubs and breweries locked into extortionate energy contracts.

The programme aims to tackle the highest level of sexual offences in London, focusing on the evening and night-time economy and forms part of the council’s wider Night Safety in Westminster campaign.

Three pubs have been named as overall winners in the Community Pub Hero Awards, the national competition organised by PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG) and sponsored by Matthew Clark.

Forest of Dean District Council (FODDC) has prosecuted an individual for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Cotswold District Council has prosecuted an individual for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Two online operators 32Red Limited and Platinum Gaming Limited, both part of Kindred Group plc, will pay a £7.1 million penalty for social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures.

The Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan sets out the government’s approach to stamping out anti-social behaviour and restoring the right of people to feel safe in, and proud of, their local area.

Three gambling firms owned by William Hill are to pay penalties of £19.2m for failing to protect consumers and weak anti-money laundering controls.

This is a consultation on the relationship between community safety partnerships and police and crime commissioners, and the expansion of antisocial behaviour powers.

DEFRA have updated the statutory guidance, moving back the deadline for all inspectors to be qualified. The updated guidance makes provision to inspections by individuals who can show evidence of at least one year of experience in licensing and inspecting animal activities businesses, providing they are enrolled on a course leading to a Level 3 certificate qualification or equivalent to be completed by 1 October 2023 and granted by a body recognised and regulated by Ofqual.

Government has announced the publication of the Tourism Recovery Plan Progress Report, which sets out how the government has addressed the commitments made in 2021 to support the tourism industry.

The Licensing Authority Bulletin is published every 3 months to update licensing authorities with news and relevant updates from the Gambling Commission.

Birmingham City Council Licensing Enforcement received a complaint about overcharging, alleging that the driver tried to charge £25 for a 4-mile journey.

This briefing note examines the workings and impact of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (“ROA 1974”), as amended and its application to licensing, together with the use of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). It is intended to assist licensing professionals, lawyers, councillors and applicants and licensees, but does not constitute legal advice.

NAFN has issued revised NR3S guidance following confirmation that the taxi database will be the designated database under the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Act (TPHV) 2022.

Institute of Licensing chair, Dan Davies, has appeared before the House of Lords Liaison Committee that held an inquiry into the regeneration of seaside towns and communities.

The council is calling on pet owners to make sure that they are employing licensed carers for their pets when on holiday.

The Institute of Licensing has published its response to the Scottish Government's consultation on restricting alcohol advertising and promotion.

The Institute of Licensing has published its response to the Welsh Government's consultation on a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales.

A SCRAP metal dealer may lose its licence after being fined £400,000 for illegally dumping waste reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

“Trailblazer” deeper devolution deal, agreed between the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the UK government.

This measure extends existing tax checks for taxi and scrap metal licences in England and Wales to licences in Scotland and Northern Ireland from October 2023.

The “superpower” of the industry is when it works together, delegates heard at the National Pubwatch Conference, which was held in Swindon this week. This was the view of BII CEO Steve Alton who said that “Collaboration and partnership are key” for the pub industry and late-night economy.

Section 20 ‘Prohibition of loyalty schemes,’ of the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 is due to come into effect on 6 April 2023.

Plans to modernise taxi services across Wales have been outlined in a white paper on the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (Wales) Bill published by the Welsh Government today (Thursday 9 March).

The IoL has responded to the Scottish Government Consultation: Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion.

We are delighted to confirm that Daniel Davies has been re-elected as National Chairman for a further 3-year period.

A review commissioned by the government has stopped short of recommending a ban on laughing gas after examining the dangers of the substance.

Driver found to be operating without a licence fined £982 following investigation by licensing officers.

This consultation sets out for consultation proposals on a number of regulatory easements, including off-sales and Temporary events notices (TENs).

City of York Council has settled a wheelchair user's judicial review claim, which argued the local authority's pavement licensing policy was discriminatory.

An interactive map detailing events taking place to celebrate the Coronation will be launched this week by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The consultation saw substantial support from hospitality sector and the public.

This strategy was published in July 2021, and sets out how the UK government will work with the hospitality sector, as it reopens and recovers from COVID-19, to build the sector’s longer term resilience.

The Chairman of the Manchester Arena Inquiry has published Volume Three of his report into the death of the 22 victims of the attack on 22nd May 2017.

The Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, has written to licensing authorities to confirm the creation of the National Register for Revocations, Refusals and Suspensions (NR3S) expanding the scope of NR3 hosted by the National Anti-Fraud Network. (NB: Currently applicable to England only)

Liverpool City Council has resolved to continue with its Late Night Levy, noting that it represents a "valuable source of income" for initiatives targeting problems associated with the late-night economy.

Walsall Council’s Licensing and Safety Committee voted unanimously not to seek further statistics and evidence.

New Clause tabled by Baroness Mcintosh of Pickering (Conservative) would enable local authorities to meet virtually.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) has urged the House of Lords to back amendments to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill that would allow councils to hold remote meetings and suspend councillors who breach the code of conduct, amongst other measures.

Liverpool City Council’s Licensing Committee met last week and decided to retain the Levy and not to propose any changes to the Levy.

Figures obtained by the BBC suggest that while there were nearly 5,000 reports of spiking-related incidents to forces in 2021/22, there were just 40 convictions in four years.

NTIA and Savenightife CIC have joined forces with Safeguarding Nightlife to launch the new Night Safe Champion Programme, which will focus on the key challenges faced in the nighttime economy and hospitality communities.

NTIA 's night time economy report shows independent businesses and culture most at risk.

Poppleston Allen reported Walsall Council is considering whether to consult upon the possible implementation of an EMRO.

Saturday 6 May marks the official coronation of His Majesty The King at Westminster Abbey. Given the last coronation was held in 1953, it is anticipated there will be significant local, national and international interest in this celebratory, solemn and historic moment.

A group of lap dancers and adult entertainment venues have won a legal battle to overturn a council decision ‘banning’ strip clubs in Edinburgh.

A third Hackney carriage driver has been convicted of illegally plying for hire and at last summer’s Henley Regatta.

Pub and bar bankruptcies across the UK were near the highest level in a decade with more than 500 businesses folding last year, data from the Insolvency Service has found.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) Nitrous Oxide working group has issued a call for evidence to help in their formulation of advice to government.

The High Court has allowed a claim for judicial review brought against a local authority’s decision to impose no limit on the number of strip clubs it would license.

The JCCP, British Beauty Council, and the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) have received assurance from the UK Government that it’s committed to the licensing of the non-surgical aesthetics sector in England.

The increasingly available evidence of cruel practices involving pets has prompted the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee to launch an inquiry today into Pet welfare and abuse.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council was entitled to revoke the licence of a pub that stayed open in breach of pandemic-era regulations, the High Court has ruled.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL), Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week by encouraging employers to explore the opportunity of apprentices and by promoting Regulatory Compliance Officer apprenticeships.

DfT highlight change in vehicle type approval standards from 1st January 2023 that may impact the specifications which licensing authorities publish for vehicles to be used for taxis and private hire vehicles and other purposes.

In October 2022, IoL President James Button wrote to the DfT outlining concerns at the current arrangements which require separate DBS checks for licensed drivers for normal hackney carriage / private hire work and for home to school transport.

The Homeland Security Group has provided a factsheet for organisations in order to socialise what the law will do, what the tier system is and how the law will be managed.

Licensees who want to set up or know more about the issues surrounding Pubwatches can get all the information they need by watching a new range of short information films on NPW FAQ YouTube page.

The Office for National Statistics has published night-time economy statistics for the UK in 2022 with a focus on understanding the people who work during the evening and night across the UK.

Members of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee have recommended expanding the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) and called for a review of the statutory notices rules amid a warning that local news offerings will continue to decline without Government support.

A Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee has revoked a nightclub's licence in light of a fatal stabbing that took place at the venue.

Wales is set to become the first UK nation to introduce a mandatory national licensing scheme for tattoo artists and those working in body piercing, semi-permanent make-up, acupuncture and electrolysis, Chief Medical Officer Frank Atherton has announced.

Gambling Minister, Paul Scully's, speech at the Betting and Gaming Council Annual General Meeting ahead of the forthcoming publication of the Gambling Act Review.

A ban on the sale and use of, Nitrous Oxide, also known as "laughing gas", in England and Wales is being considered by the government.

A Buckinghamshire hackney carriage driver has been convicted of illegally plying for hire at Henley Regatta.

A five-month Home Office trial of the digital ID app developed by 1account, a leading provider of age verification and digital ID technology, has shown overwhelming acceptance by clubgoers at REKOM UK’s Tru Camberley venue in Surrey.

Guidance for local authority inspectors on licensing activities involving animals.

Millions of people across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events.

A town centre restaurant has had its licence modified after selling alcohol to underage customers.

A single fee for taxi licences across North Yorkshire is set to be introduced by the county’s new council.

Lambeth Council yesterday suspended the O2 Academy Brixton’s premises licence for a further three months following last month’s tragic crush.

The Cabinet Digital Office have issued a statement confirming the extension of the gov.uk online licensing forms system.

A taxi driver has been fined for refusing to pick up a blind couple as they had their guide dogs with them.

Updates to Guidance on commonly raised issues in relation to the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 have been published.

The Scottish Government has today (13 January 2023) published the 2nd edition of Guidance to Licensing Boards.

Twenty-four taxi companies in Rochdale have formed a single co-operative organisation called Tiger 2000. The new structure means any car operated by any of the 24 firms will be able to operate across the borough instead of in their core areas.

Home Office Minister Sarah Dines MP has confirmed in a letter to the Home Affairs Committee that following careful consideration, the Government has concluded that a new offence is not required and will not be bringing in new legislation.

Practitioners will be aware that in recent years, the Gambling Commission has handed down some significant financial penalties for breaches of operating licences. In an appeal recently heard by the First Tier Tribunal, Daub, a subsidiary of the Rank Group, challenged a penalty imposed by the Commission. The appeal was dismissed, and the judgment contains some helpful analysis for operators and their advisers.

A central London sexual entertainment venue (SEV), Vanity, has had its licence suspended after several customers claimed to have lost a total of £250,000 after being spiked.

The Government are consulting on the level of charge to be applied to late night refreshment premises in England and Wales. This is in order to commence legislative changes made to the late night levy.

The Home Office has issued a fact sheet, setting out more detail on the proposed Protect Duty.

Melton Mowbray removed their cumulative impact policy and adopted a new Statement of Licensing Policy.

In accordance with the IoL's election policy, IoL members are invited to submit expressions of interest or nominations for the position of National Chairman. Current Chairman Daniel Davies has confirmed that he is happy to continue in post subject to re-election.

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that as of 1 January 2023 all private hire vehicles licensed for the first time will be required to be zero-emission capable.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has prosecuted an individual for offences relating to the Fraud Act 2006. The Tewkesbury Borough resident, Sarah Dawes from Bishops Cleeve was alleged to have been breeding and selling dogs from her home address.

The Government has published the key findings following trials of technology use for age verification in alcohol sales. A potential challenge to the use of digital proof of age is the mandatory condition set out in paragraph 3 of the Schedule to the Licensing Act 2003 (Mandatory Licensing Conditions) Order 2010, which requires presentation of identification bearing a holographic mark or ultraviolet feature upon request when purchasing alcohol.

The nightclub where a 23-year-old footballer died during a knife attack may be forced to close as an urgent request to review its licence has been scheduled.

A private hire driver has been convicted of illegally plying for hire and driving without the right insurance at Henley Regatta.

The Brixton 02 Academy's licence has been suspended as it emerged concerns were raised about the strength of the front doors nearly three years before a fatal crush at a concert.

When announcing Martyn's Law, Suella Braverman MP, The Home Secretary, also updated Parliament on Sensitive Information in Licensing Applications (SILA).

A licensed driver whose licence was revoked by Winchester Council for touching a woman 'inappropriately', has lost his appeal.

MPs are to examine the Government’s approach to the regulation of gambling, following warnings that more needs to be done to protect people, including children, from gambling-related harm.

The Home Office has today (20 December 2022) issued revised s.182 guidance under the Licensing Act 2003.

New legislation will be introduced to tighten security at venues. Dubbed Martyn's Law, after one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, the rules will cover all of the UK and require venues and local authorities to have preventative action plans against terror attacks, the Government said.

The freeze to UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced today (19 December 2022).

In this statement by Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary includes her intention to introduce SILA (sensitive information in licensing applications) alongside her confirmation of the Protect Duty (Martyn's Law). SILA will be introduced through amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 to 'align to the similar system already in place within planning legislation (Sensitive Information in Planning Applications (SIPA)), to reduce the risk of misuse of sensitive information in the public domain.'

The Welsh Government has launched a consultation on establishing a statutory licensing scheme for all visitor accommodation providers in Wales.

The Local Government Association said “Now, more than ever, we need a concerted approach to tackling the issue of alcohol-related harms. Trends have worsened, and a proactive effort is needed to turn the tide."

As part of Cardiff & Vale’s drink drive campaign, South Wales Police alongside twenty-five pubs and restaurant have launched their DES (Designated Driver) Scheme.

The government has launched a consultation on proposals to relax the licensing hours for His Majesty the King’s coronation.

The Home Office are consulting on proposals to update the Section 182 Guidance to make reference to drink spiking. This follows the Home Affairs Committee report published in April 2022, and the subsequent Government reponse to the report recommendations (published in July 2022).

Glasgow City Council has passed a motion requiring hospitality businesses to provide free and safe transport home for late night workers after 23:00. Source: BBC News

Greene King is set to become the first pub operator to have its entire managed house estate accredited by Best Bar None, the Home Office and industry supported scheme that recognises and promotes the highest possible operating standards and provides customers with the reassurance of a well-managed environment in which to socialise.

Home Secretary announces support for Private Member’s Bill to make public sexual harassment an offence. The bill will lead to harsher sentences for perpetrators.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has updated the rateable values of all business, and other non-domestic, property in England and Wales.

Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) and the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) have said they are “extremely dismayed” at the continued delay in the Government’s response to its call for evidence in respect of remote meeting attendance for local authorities.

The Scottish Government is making plans to extend the deadline by which hosts of short-term lets in Scotland, including Orkney, need to get a licence by six months.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth are looking for people who work in the night-time economy to take part in a study about violence against women.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals for offences relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal Licensing and Fraud Act offences.

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office has worked closely with The Events Industry Forum on the Purple Guide, offering considerations and advice that event staff can take to counter terrorism.

An unlicensed dog breeder from Huddersfield has been fined £10,000. The case originally came to light following a visit to the property by Council Officers dealing with another matter.

A former taxi driver has been ordered to pay almost £2,000 after admitting to driving an unsafe vehicle while his own licence had expired.

The Autumn Statement 2022 sets out the decition by the government to delay the implementation of Tax Conditionality in Scotland and Northern Ireland until October 2023.

Philip Evans, previously councillor for Conwy County Borough Council has been presented with the IoL's 2022 Chairman's Special Recognition in recognition of his exceptional contribution to licensing and his role as a licensing councillor.

The Institute of Licensing and Poppleston Allen Solicitors were delighted to announce Yvonne Lewis as winner of the 2022 Jeremy Allen Award for excellence in licensing.

The Institute of Licensing is delighted to announce that Susanna FitzGerald KC has agreed to join Jon Collins and Philip Kolvin KC as our Patron.

This consultation by the Scottish Government seeks views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland. The consultation will close on 9 March 2023.

A new policy approach for gambling premises in Westminster will help reduce the risk of people who may be vulnerable to gambling related harm in the city, Westminster City Council has announced.

One nightclub is closing every two days in a trend which threatens to see half of Britain’s remaining venues shut within a year, the industry has warned.

A LEICESTER bar at the centre of concerns about crime, disorder and noise problems has had its licence suspended after failing to overturn new licensing conditions which had been put in place to protect the public.

The Government has confirmed there will be no licensing extension.

The Government has issued its response to the House of Lords Liaison Committee's report following up the Select Committee's post legislative scrutiny report on the Licensing Act 2003.

If Uber is successful in its case against Sefton Council, the cost of private hire journeys would jump by 20%.

Bradford Magistrates’ Court found Usman Raees guilty in his absence of failing to provide information to the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

The Local Government Association has published a range of resources and handbooks to help councillors with their role sitting on licensing committees.

Ireland’s Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has said he did raise public health concerns with his Government colleagues before they decided to relax the country’s licensing laws.

The Alcohol Licensing (Coronavirus) (Regulatory Easements) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 , which was laid in parliament in September and came into effect on 29 September, has passed unopposed in both Houses, extending the off-sales provision in section 11(13) of the Business and Planning Act 2020 (modification of premises licences to authorise off-sales for limited period) until September 2023.

Volume 2 of the Manchester Arena Inquiry report has been published. This report sets out the chair’s findings and recommendations on the emergency response to the attack.

DEFRA has extended the survey deadline for its survey to inform the review of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (LAIA regulations).

A successful motion, calling for councillors to agree that a report be presented to the council's Regulatory Committee and that the committee re-examine the issue, has been agreed by Edinburgh City councillors.

Reading Pubwatch has been given the top accolade as the National Pubwatch of the Year at a glittering event, sponsored by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, at the House of Lords last night.

Tourism and recreation experienced the fastest fall in output of any UK business sector last month, the latest data shows.

Heaven nightclub in Newmarket has licence renewed despite objections including from MP Matt Hancock

Alcohol licensing data to year ending March 2022 has been published by the Home Office.

Guildford's licensing team has won a Bronze Animal Activity Licensing Award in the RSPCA PawPrints Awards for the fourth year running.

The Institute of Licensing has written to Baroness Vere to highlight the complexities faced by licensed drivers who undertake 'normal' taxi/PH work and school contracts.

With just a few weeks to go until the start of the 2022 World Cup, British pubs are getting ready to welcome fans to enjoy the beautiful game, and new guidance has been released to help them prepare

Giles Watling said the current licence issuer, the Marine Management Organisation, is ‘not fit for purpose’ with too much centralised power.

Edinburgh’s Licensing Board is seeking views on the rules and requirements for licenses to sell alcohol - whether it’s sold for consumption on a premises (on-sales) or to take away (off-sales).

Cabbies in Nottingham can now wirelessly charge their electric taxis as part of a pioneering Government-backed trial which underlines the city’s ambitions to become the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2028.

The Times reported that a combination of train strikes, Covid and hybrid working is making life hard for many of London’s restaurants

The Welsh Government is encouraging local authorities to apply for its latest round of Transforming Towns loan funding.

A new licensing scheme for short-term let hosts opens today [1 October], aiming to ensure consistent safety standards while reinforcing the positive reputation of Scottish tourism and hospitality.

A County Durham man has been ordered to pay over £800 after operating a private hire vehicle without having a current private hire operators' licence.

Liverpool City Council have begun consultation on the existing Late Night Levy and whether it should be varied or removed.

A private hire driver from Andover has been ordered to pay more than £400 after pleading guilty to refusing to take a customer’s assistance dog.

An unlicensed dog breeder from west Norfolk was prosecuted in court on Wednesday 28 September 2022.

The adjustments to right to work checks introduced on 30 March 2020 as part of the response to coronavirus (COVID-19), has ended on 30 September 2022.

High Court ruled Wokingham Borough Council was not liable for 'psychiatric damage' as a consequence of the negligent advice being given regarding the suitability of a vehicle purchased but subsequently found unsuitable for licensing.

A new place for all taxis and private hire related guidance and information on gov.uk.

In DEFRA's updated Animal activities licensing statutory guidance for local authorities, it confirmed animal inspectors do not need their Level 3 Certificate for Animal Inspectors course by 1 October 2022.

The Institute is undertaking a review of its Suitability Guidance to ensure that it remains current, and to enable consideration of additional information which may usefully be included.

Students heading off for freshers week are being warned to look out for drink spiking.

The LGA has developed a councillor handbook on public protection services, which provides an overview of council environmental health, trading standards and licensing services.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are undertaking a post implementation review of the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (the LAIA Regulations) to understand if the regulations have achieved their objectives and if any improvements are needed.

DEFRA are gathering information to inform the Kept Animals Bill and would be keen to hear from councils about any challenges you anticipate around the introduction of a primate licensing scheme.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has developed a short survey to gather stakeholders views about the harassment of workers in the night-time economy. This survey will inform the Trust’s work on preventing sexual harassment.

New regulations extending the period during which licensed premises can benefit from an automatic permission to provide off-sales have been made today (England and Wales).

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has scrapped planned increases in the tax paid on beer, wine, spirits and cider.

A review was commissioned by the States of Guernsey after widespread concerns about the low number of taxis operating, and poor reliability.

In recent days, it was reported that Sefton Council had a two-year delay in processing taxi and private hire licence applications, but the council has set the record straight in response.

A "popular" Northampton nightclub face premises licence revocation following a licence review by Northamptonshire Police.

The National Police Chiefs' Council have produced new messaging on what to do if you’ve been spiked.

The Local Government has produced a guidance note drawing on examples of good practice in response to spiking allegations.

Tendring District Council are urging residents to ensure their "doggy day care" providers are licensed.

Nottingham City Council’s Late Night Levy is to be revoked from next month in a bid to ease financial pressure on local businesses.

In a statement, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said it is writing to around 4,000 taxi drivers using taxi booking apps, who may not have declared all their income.

Warning UK's live music face closures with spiralling energy bills, with some venues seeing increases of up to 1,400%.

Almost two thirds of British hospitality businesses are currently 'in the red', according to research from the BBPA, the British Institute of Innkeeping, and UK Hospitality.

Lawyers in Local Government has issued guidance to its members on the holding of local authority meetings during the period of mourning for the Queen.

It has been reported that Camelot will withdraw its appeal over lifting of an automatic suspension, allowing the Gambling Commission to grant the licence to Allwyn Entertainment UK. Instead, Camelot will pursue a damages claim over the National Lottery licence award.

A man has been convicted and ordered to pay more than £1,000 after unlawfully continuing to work as a taxi driver despite having been refused a new licence following a series of speeding offences.

The Institute of Licensing has paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen following the sad announcement of her death today, 8 September 2022.

German ride-hailing firm 'Free Now' has been handed a licence “longer than any major competitor” to operate in London.

An off-licence which claims to be the "smallest in the UK" has set up shop in a traditional red telephone box.

An SIA investigation supported by NaCTSO has helped sites and premises in understanding the key approaches to take to make sure the personnel hired to protect their sites are managed and vetted effectively.

Breweries and industry bodies have called for "immediate government intervention" on sky-high energy bills this winter.

Tim Smith was appointed as the new industry chair of the Food and Drink Sector Council today (Tuesday 30 August).

The Welsh Government’s £108 million Cultural Recovery Fund was fundamental to the survival of many cultural organisations in Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic which helped safeguarded 2,700 FTE jobs, a new report has shown.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has launched a public consultation on a 2022 taxi fares review.

A North West Leicestershire taxi firm owner must pay over £8,000 in fines and costs for allowing an unlicensed driver to carry out bookings illegally.

Five organisations representing the UK hospitality sectors have today (15 August) joined forces to write an open letter to HM Government calling for urgent action on energy prices.

Scotland’s three major hospitality trade associations, the Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA), Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA), and UKHospitality Scotland (UKHS) have called on the Scottish Government not to exclude pubs from their current proposals which would see other hospitality premises, like restaurants have greater flexibility with on-street seating.

The Gambling Commission has published further data showing how gambling behaviour is reacting to current environmental factors in Great Britain.

This briefing outlines what the Act covers and how it will impact local government.

Following a meeting of Leeds City Council’s licensing committee, councillors have recommended changes to the taxi and private hire driver licence standards in relation to minor motoring offences.

Coventry City Council took the decision to apply to the First Tier Property Tribunal for a banning order,against the landlord who has a long history of poor property management and has been convicted of contravening housing legislation on several occasions. The Tribunal have ruled banning the landlord from letting property in England for a period of 15 months.

In the Health and Social Care Committee's latest report, "The impact of body image on mental and physical health" it has recommended that the Government make it a priority to introduce the licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures by July 2023.

Updated to reflect the change to the Business and Planning Act Regulations 2022.

New research for industry body PubAid reveals a ‘disconnect' between pubgoers' love of their local and their appreciation of it as a centre for charity fundraising and grassroots sport support.

Britain has 20% fewer nightclubs than it had when the country first went into lockdown in March 2020.

The Pubs Code Adjudicator has today published its strategy outlining its focus over the next three years

The Government has launched a public sexual harassment consultation and is interested, amongst other things, to explore links to taxis and nighttime economies.

Greggs has been blocked from opening its flagship store in London's West End through the night after the council said its plans were "half-baked" the BBC reported.

ProtectUK has launched an App giving users access real-time information from CT Policing plus the latest protective security advice.

Businesses and workers, particularly those in the gig economy, will benefit from greater clarity over their employment status, thanks to new guidance published by the government today (Tuesday 26 July).

The Government has launched a technical consultation extending tax checks to licences in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Court of Appeal has granted permission for Camelot and IGT to appeal a High Court ruling that lifted an automatic suspension that prevented the Gambling Commission from formally awarding the fourth National Lottery licence to Allwyn Entertainment UK (Allwyn).

Temporary changes, brought in to help pubs, cafes and restaurants take advantage of the warm weather and operate outside, are extended and will be made permanent next year.

The Times reported that a relaxation of alcohol by volume (ABV) limits to help people cut down on their alcohol intake by helping brewers make low-strength options more appealing.

The Government has extended the period during which the Fast Track Pavement Licence provisions continue to apply until 30th September 2023.

The phrase “plying for hire” consists of 3 words. In the first case on its meaning to come before the Court of Appeal since the phrase was enacted 150 years ago, the Court has construed it definitively. Practitioners may be relieved to learn that in doing so the Court upheld long-standing orthodoxies.

Temporary changes, brought in to help pubs, cafes and restaurants take advantage of the warm weather and operate outside, are extended and will be made permanent next year.

A Hackney Carriage taxi driver has been disqualified from driving and ordered to pay almost £3,000 after plying for trade illegally at Henley Regatta.

New legislation to make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips from staff.

In its response, the Government welcomes the majority of the Committee’s recommendations.

Government’s call for evidence has unveiled a link between loot boxes and gambling harms, as well as wider mental health, financial and problem-gaming harms

In correspondence seen by the Institute, the Home Office confirmed "it would be appropriate to extend the off-sales provision for a further year".

The DfT has published the latest statistics and data about the number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales, including the number designed to be accessible for disabled people.  The report shows that between 2021 and 2022, the total number of licensed vehicles increased slightly, while the number of licensed drivers continued to fall.

The draft national transport delivery plan published on 13 July 2022 includes references to intended developments for hackney carriage and private hire licensing. The draft plan includes references to planned national licensing standards, enforcement powers, national licensing databases, public registers, decarbonisation plans and simplication of fares.

The House of Lords Liaison Committee publishes; The Licensing Act 2003: post-legislative scrutiny Follow-up report.   The report makes a number of  recommendations concerning coordination between planning and licensing, the Agent of Change principle, Councillor and Police training, access to licensed premises by disabled people, alcohol pricing and taxation, airside licensing, online applications (gov.uk), and a national database for personal licence holders.

Consultation overwhelmingly backs tighter regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Scotland according to the Scottish Government.

UK driving licence now exists on the Government Gateway as an evidence category for all customers across services that use Identity Verification.

LGA "overall" welcomes this best practice guidance in its response to the consultation, saying "It provides helpful clarity on some complex issues in taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing and will be a useful resource for both licensing authorities and the taxi and PHV trade."

The RSPCA said "public opinion proves to be strong on the issue as last year more than 9,000 RSPCA supporters called upon their local authority to make a change and stop this practice from happening on their land."

The RSPCA asked all 22 local authorities in Wales - under the Freedom of Information Act - how they are currently tackling illegal puppy breeding in their respective counties.

There were 39,970 pubs in June, down by more than 7,000 since 2012, said real estate consultancy Altus Group.

DLUHC update on Sensitive Information in Licensing Applications, changes to easement of off-sales of alcohol & transferring taxi and private hire vehicle licensing to upper-tier and combined authorities.

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) response to Taxi and private hire vehicle best practice guidance.

New laws will ensure the 13.7 million disabled people in England, Scotland and Wales receive the assistance they need and will not be charged over the odds when using taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).

New legislation to control the sale and use of fireworks will improve public safety and benefit communities for years to come.

The Gambling Commission can proceed with the award of the fourth licence to operate the National Lottery after a High Court judge lifted the automatic suspension which arose on the issue of two procurement challenges.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority is "keen" to work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to devise a new regulatory device that would legally ban taxis that are not licensed by one of the ten Greater Manchester local authorities.

Backed by Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser, Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) three-year Skills for Growth programme aims to upskill and retrain employees to aid staff retention, boost morale and attract new staff into the industry.

The London Recovery Programme, run by the GLA and London Councils, aims to boost London’s high streets by making it easier for businesses to trade and access council support. London Councils has also published its Pledges for Business, which is backed by every council leader in the capital.

The LGA has published it’s response to the DfT Best Practice Guidance (BPG) consultation, reiterating the need for legislative reform for hackney carriage and private hire licensing overall, while welcoming the clarify provided by BPG the  on some complex issues and acknowledging that it will be a useful resource.

NR3 is gaining traction with licensing authorities in England, with almost 50,000 searches completed over the past six months.

The BBC reported that a Gloucester councillor ran an illegal puppy breeding farm and allegedly passed off a deaf cross-breed dog as a healthy pup.

Reports said "multiple agencies" requested the council revoke the licence after tens of thousands of cigarettes and nearly 14 kilograms of illegal tobacco were discovered within the shop.

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill has reached the Committee stage.

The government has updated its guidance for local licensing authorities on the Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) duties under the Equality Act 2010.

DEFRA's letter to councils on arrangements necessary to deal with Ukrainian pets entering the UK.

LGA call on the Government to act quickly and take the next steps to introduce legislation that would empower local authorities to make the most suitable choice for their organisation.

Argos argued it was an abuse of the process for Barking & Dagenham to prosecute it when it received and followed advice from Milton Keynes Council, its primary authority partner for trading standards.

Entries are being sought for the prestigious National Pubwatch Awards 2022, once again kindly sponsored by JD Weatherspoon, which recognise the work of local Pubwatch schemes and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff.

New Government guidance outlining the structures and processes through which local partners in England should work together to reduce drug-related harm.

Lancaster City Council has revoked the licences of two dog breeders after evidence of animal cruelty was found at two sites in Morecambe.

The Summer Edition (Edition 14) of the IoL's LINK magazine has been published and is available online.

Nominations can now be made for colleagues to be considered for the Jeremy Allen Award 2022!

Four out of every 10 police forces in England and Wales are failing to ask arrested suspects whether they have a gambling addiction, data reveals.

From 31 May 2022, local authorities in England outside of London will be able to apply to the Secretary of State for new powers to enforce ‘moving traffic offences’. This means they can be granted powers that have previously been held only by the police and will be able to issue fines to drivers for these offences for the first time.

Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 8 June 2022.

Drinkers who suffered the worst affects of alcoholism did not change their habits when Scotland's minimum pricing was introduced, a Public Health Scotland study shown.

Transport for London has brought in new Regulations to raise awareness that London PHV operators are required to contract directly with passengers to provide the journey that is the subject of a booking.

Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, has written to councils telling them to "make one final push and take every possible action to help your communities in their preparations."

DfT write to licensing authorities in preparation of the upcoming commencement of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022 (“the 2022 Act”) on 28 June.

In a letter to the Institute of Licensing, the Home Office has confirmed that the Regulatory easement in respect of off-sales of alcohol will cease in September 2022.

First Minister Mark Drakeford says Wales can look forward to a brighter future, as the last remaining coronavirus protections in law come to an end.

Department for Education and Home Office launch a new working group dedicated to tackling the number of spiking attacks against students.

A new report from UKHospitality, Level up hospitality – level up society, highlights how the sector is uniquely positioned to deliver growth and opportunity across the country and play its part in delivering the Government’s and society’s priorities, by generating jobs and economic growth.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued new "statutory guidance" for licensing authorities in England.

The Government has made changes to the Taxi & PHV air quality database.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has asked the LGA to remind colleagues that all local authorities must submit a completed animal licensing form by 31 May 2022.

Drivers are being helped to 'get behind the wheel' of taxis fuelled by a fully funded training initiative to give the area’s economy a welcome boost.

Lynne Neagle MS, Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the Welsh Government is actively working on implementing the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group on Gambling Related Harm.

Over two-thirds of councillors believe that moving to a hybrid model where meetings can be attended both online and in-person would improve the diversity of local councils, a new survey shows.

A pub landlord charged with breaches of COVID-19 regulations has successfully overturned fines issued, and the Barrister acting for the landlord said the case demonstrated the need to follow PACE process.

“Tourism and hospitality is a great sector to work in” – that’s the message from Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, to mark the start of Wales Tourism Week 2022 (15 to 22 May).

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Baroness Vere, told the House of Lords that the Government will "will modernise the law to ensure that the same minimum standards are met by drivers across England".

The Levelling up and Regeneration Bill, announced in the Queen's Speech, will make the Pavement Licensing regime permanent.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has contacted local authorities to inform them of the consultation deadline extension.

The Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill has been published along with a policy paper which summarises the steps the Government are taking, through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill and other legislation and policy, to devolve power and give local leaders and communities the tools they need to make better places.

A new report, A Fare Shake: Reforming Taxis for the 21st Century, from the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) argues that the Government should move to overhaul current taxi cab legislation, creating a more dynamic and equitable sector to better serve the needs of Britons as they get moving after Covid.

LLG (Lawyers in Local Government) and ADSO (the Association of Democratic Services Officers) have expressed disappointment ahead of this week’s local elections that the Government has still not responded to the call for evidence on local authority remote meetings which was held from March to June 2021.

Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill it received Royal Assent on 28 April. The Bill is now an Act of Parliament (law).

Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State at Department for Transport, has promised to introduce licensing legislation for pedicabs.

The Department for Transport has issued an update on the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022.

This Order provides for the extension of licensing hours for licensed premises and clubs on Her Majesty The Queen’s Jubilee extended weekend between 2nd and 5th June 2022.

The House of Commons Committee report on spiking has been reported with recommendations to government.

The Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Probation, has written to Licensing Committees encouraging them to continue working with local partners - particularly the police - to make sure spiking concern is highlighted and addressed appropriately and collaboratively.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Night-Time Economy has published its report report on Impact of Covid-19 on the UK's Nightlife.

In July 2020, the House of Lords Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry Committee published a report entitled ‘Gambling Harm—Time for Action’. The House of Lords is due to debate the report today (27 April 2022).

Further amendments have been made to the Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities relating to Dog kennel boarding licensing.

Uber have started Part 8 proceedings against Sefton BC seeking a declaration that the agency model is unlawful in the provinces.

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022 receives Royal Assent.

From 18 April, the legal requirement to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces and on public transport will become guidance.

The 27-year-old man from Middlesbrough had been running lottery-style services such as bonus balls and raffles on Facebook and had around £140,000 in earnings stashed in various bank accounts

New measures to revitalise town centres and regenerate local economies have been published by the Scottish Government.

GHB, a drug that is used to spike drinks, has been reclassified as a Class B drug today (13 April) along with two related substances, GBL and 1,4-BD, meaning that those found in possession of them will face tougher penalties.

Under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, local authorities are required to provide certain information annually to the Secretary of State for Defra.

A counter-terrorism emergency planning exercise in Glasgow yesterday saw security operatives dealing with realistic terror scenarios presented by actors.

Arts and cultural events across Wales are looking forward to welcoming back visitors in person over the coming months as organisers switch back to live audience performances.

The Home Office has issued changes affecting Right to Licence checks for Licensing Authorities, which takes effect on 6 April 2022 including changes to the acceptable documents list for manual checks to establish a right to a licence.

The Immigration (Restrictions on Employment and Residential Accommodation) (Prescribed Requirements and Codes of Practice) and Licensing Act 2003 (Personal and Premises Licences) (Forms), etc., Regulations 2022

Checking an individual’s right to work using the temporary COVID-19 adjusted check measures has been extended to 30 September 2022.

Animal protection organisations and celebrities are today celebrating the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill passing its final hurdle in the House of Lords.

Two new guidance documents for preventing illegal working in licensed premises have recently been published which may be of interest to Licensing Authorities.

Live music industry umbrella organisation LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) has appointed Jon Collins as chief executive, who takes over from Greg Parmley.

The Offensive Weapons Act Commencement Regulations have now been signed and laid, and will bring the remaining provisions within the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 into force on 6 April 2022.

Camelot, which has operated the National Lottery since its inception in 1994, has issued proceedings in the High Court against the Gambling Commission over its decision last month to name Allwyn Entertainment UK as its preferred applicant for the Fourth Licence.

From today (4 April 2022), licence holders must complete a tax check to renew a taxi, private hire or scrap metal licence, or to apply for the same type of licence with a different licensing authority.

Guidance has been published for Home Office Immigration staff to assist in the prevention of illegal working in licensed premises, along with guidance on partnership working with the police or other agencies.

The IoL are asking members to provide views on the proposed Best Practice Guidance from the DfT. The IoL member survey results will be used to inform the IoL response to the DfT consultation.

Edinburgh's councillors have voted to ban lap dancing clubs in the Scottish capital.

DEFRA have advised that minor revisions to the statutory guidance documents for dog day care and dog breeding have been made and published.

DEFRA are seeking views on potential changes to microchipping legislation. This covers both the new mandatory cat microchipping requirements, as well as improvements to the current dog microchipping system so they work as effectively possible in reuniting pets with their owners.

DfT commissioned "quantitative and qualitative research" into wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicle services.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS said, from 28 March, the Welsh Government "will be removing the requirement for face coverings to be worn in retail premises and on public transport. However, to protect those most vulnerable, there will still be a requirement for face coverings to be worn in Health and Social Care settings."

The Department for Transport has announced £582 million funding to "extend the plug-in car, van, taxi and motorcycle grants to 2022 to 2023 to reduce their sticker price for the consumer."

The IoL are asking members to provide views on the propsed Best Practice Guidance from the DfT. The IoL member survey results will be used to inform the IoL response to the DfT consultation.

The Institute is please to be able to update members on the ongoing review of the gov.uk online licensing forms.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) would like to hear your views on how regulations could be improved to support best practice and reduce the burden on competent authorities and businesses.

The Department for Transport (DfT) are seeking views on the update to best practice guidance to be issued to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England. The consultation will run for 12 weeks from 28 March 2022 until 23:45 on 20 June 2022.

Transport for London has renewed Uber's London operating licence for 30 months.

Stockton Borough Council has successfully defended a decision of its licensing sub-committee to revoke the licence of a premises for contravention of coronavirus regulations.

Consultation launched on microchipping regulations follow the Pet Theft Taskforce recommendations

The guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020 has been updated.

Kit Malthouse told the House of Commons that the Government will extend licensing hours for Queen's Jubilee weekend.

National Hair and Beauty Federation video explanation of what the amendment to the Health and Care Bill is, and what the next steps will be.

HMRC have published a new one-page guide to help Pub Tenants to understand their MGD and VAT obligations.

The cross-party Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has expressed "concerns" over Parliament's inability to properly scrutinise and amend emergency provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 over the last two years.

Leicester City Council has made the decision to remove its existing Cumulative Impact Policy covering areas of the city as part of its recent Statement of Licensing Policy Review, albeit potentially for an interim period only.

Most of the remaining legal Covid restrictions in Scotland have now officially come to an end.

This Bill was read a third time and passed on Friday 18 March and will now proceed to the House of Lords for consideration.

Lords committee stage - line by line examination of the Bill - is scheduled for 22 March

The Government has announced that Round 4 (running across the 2022/23 and 23/24 financial years and worth £75 million) of the Safer Streets Fund is now available for interventions aimed at tackling neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour and VAWG, improving the safety of public spaces for all.

The report found that the number of noise complaints increased by 54% between 2019/20 and 2020/21 in 89 local authorities.

On Thursday 10 March 2022 the House of Lords Liaison Committee will hold three one-off evidence sessions to follow-up on the recommendations of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee, which published its report in April 2017.

This short guidance note provided by the IoL and LGA, aims to provide a brief overview of the role of responsible councils with regards to home to school contracts and licensing authorities with regards to safeguarding in taxi/ private hire vehicle (PHV) licensing and suggests some recommended actions.

The Government’s amendments, 153A and 157A of the Health and Care Bill have been agreed by the House of Lords.

Safer Business Network working with Mayor of London to implement recommendations of new scoping study

This statistical release covers the quarterly gambling participation and problem gambling prevalence data for the year to December 2021, as well as reporting on respondents’ perceptions of trust, crime, and attitudes towards gambling.

The IoL, NALEO and LGA are working with others to try to establish the position going forward in relation to online licensing application forms provided via gov.uk.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a reprimand to the Scottish Government and NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) over the implementation of the NHS Scotland Covid Status app.

The parents of a gambling addict who took his own life have accused the Government of being "asleep at the wheel" in their failure to regulate an industry they describe as "predatory" and "parasitic". It comes after a landmark inquest into the suicide of Jack Ritchie, 24, found that regulation, NHS treatment and government warnings about the dangers of gambling were "woefully inadequate".

Welsh Government plan to remove all the remaining restrictions on 28 March. Written Statement: Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 – 3 March Review

The Government response to the House of Lords COVID-19 Committee’s report “Towns and Cities: Local Power is the Path to Recovery” has been published. The original Towns and Cities report was published on 7 December 2021.

DEFRA are consulting on the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for Great Britain (‘the Standards’). The Standards will replace the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (2012) in England and Scotland, and the National Assembly of Wales’ Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (2006) in Wales. Because zoo licensing is a devolved matter, this is a joint consultation on behalf of the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government

Five local government organisations including the Association of Democratic Services Officers (ADSO) and Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) have asked councils to consider passing a motion and writing to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to show their support for local authorities to be able to hold remote and hybrid meetings.

Ahead of the publication of the Government’s white paper on the future of the Gambling Act, the Local Government Association and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) are calling for tougher powers for councils to determine where and how many gambling premises can open in their areas, alongside a crackdown on the current volume of gambling advertising and marketing.

Campaign spearheaded by the Institute of Licensing (IoL) and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) to safeguard cosmetics industry successful as Government commits to new licensing scheme for practitioners.

From today (Monday 28th February 2022), the face covering requirements in Wales will change, meaning people will no longer be legally required to wear face coverings in a range of indoor places, including cinemas, theatres, community centres, museums and gyms.  Face coverings will continue to be a legal requirement for adults and children aged 11 and over, unless exempt, in all retail settings, on public transport and in health and care settings.

Leading members of the trade and police have highlighted how working in partnership and collaborating is the way forward for the pub sector as it recovers after the impact of the pandemic.

In a statement to Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the details of the updated Strategic Framework to manage COVID-19 primarily through public health advice, vaccination, and treatment rather than legal restrictions.

The independent review was announced by Safeguarding Minister, Rachel Maclean.

It has been widely reported that Priti Patel set out plans to introduce legislation to make drink spiking a criminal offence.

The Prime Minister sets out the Government’s plans to live with and manage the virus.

The Gambling Commission has updated its guidance for all operators on fair and transparent terms and practices.

The Welsh Government are removing the exemption which allows smoking in holiday and temporary accommodation, along with the exemption that allows hotels, guest houses, inns etc to have designated smoking bedrooms. From 1 March 2022 all these settings will be required to be smoke-free.

The guide regarding the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 (the Act, which was first published in October 2021 outlining the provisions of the Act which came into effect on 1 October, has now been updated to include the provisions of the Act which will come into effect on 6 April 2022.

DEFRA have published a further update to the statutory guidance on hiring horses - updated optional higher standard for diet from weekly to monthly body condition scoring.

The Government has granted permission to Greater Manchester Authorities to delay the implementation of their Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

The BII, BBPA and UKHospitality have together created a best practice guidance on pub repairs and dilapidations in order to support pub companies and tenants.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pubs has released it report on the impact of the Covid pandemic on the pub sector.

All remaining Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland will be lifted, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus measures to be undertaken every three weeks. The most recent three-week review was due to be completed by 10 February.

Regulations have been laid in Parliament today to extend the expiry date for statutory coronavirus (Covid-19) requirements, and enforcement powers for local authorities.

The BBC reports beer sales "plunged" in the UK during the Covid pandemic as people avoided pubs and drank wine and spirits at home instead, industry analysis found.

Local Government Lawyer reported that a Vale of Glamorgan councillor who sits on the local authority's planning committee has been found in breach of its code of conduct after establishing a cafe without first securing planning permission.

An investigation led by the Gambling Commission has seen the disruption of illegal lotteries operating on social media platform, Facebook.

DLUHC are consulting on proposals for a permanent regime for pavement licensing.  The consultation is now live but will close on Friday 11th February 2022.

Government proposals to reform gambling laws are reportedly now unlikely to be published until May.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has said he is “strongly in sympathy with the view that hybrid meetings should continue in order to ensure the maximum amount of efficiency”.

The Government has launched its  Levelling Up White Paper which includes plans to explore more devolution of transport powers and responsibilities in England.  The White Paper includes reference to potential devolution of transport powers and responsibilities including control of taxi and private hire licensing to combined and upper tier authorities.

An investigation led by the Gambling Commission has seen the disruption of illegal lotteries operating on social media platform, Facebook.

DEFRA have provided a Q&A to assist and inform stakeholders in relation to the reviewed statutory guidance issued under The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.  The new guidance comes into effect today (1 February) and will be updated online at midday.

DEFRA has published the revised statutory guidance for local authority inspectors in England on licensing activities involving animals. The guidance explains the conditions that businesses need to meet in order to receive an animal activities licence. The latest updates are intended to clarify drafting errors in guidance notes and to replace PDFs with HTML documents.

New analysis shows up to one million women in Great Britain could be at risk of experiencing harm from gambling, the charity GambleAware has warned, as they launch a new campaign today (31 January) for women to highlight the warning signs of problem gambling and signpost towards support.

Legislation proposing the permanent adoption or temporary extension of some beneficial measures enacted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been published in Scotland.

Rules on physical distancing and the wearing of face masks in certain circumstances are being relaxed.

Wales will move fully into alert level zero tomorrow as coronavirus cases begin to stabilise, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

Face coverings and Covid passes are no longer legally required in England, after the relaxation of Plan B rules came into effect on Thursday (27 Jan 2022).

There’s been over 1,300 needle spiking incidents in the last six months, according to evidence given to the Home Affairs Select Committee.

A group of local government organisations have written an open letter and raised a petition calling on the UK Government to pass legislation allowing a resumption of remote meetings.

The Parliamentary All-Party Betting & Gaming Group (APBGG) has issued a severe, if subjective, set of findings from its investigation into the effectiveness of the Gambling Commission.

The Gambling Commission has announced changes to the statutory returns.

A Caerphilly man has been sentenced for unlicensed dog breeding under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Campaign group Big Brother Watch has launched a judicial review challenge against the Welsh Government over its ‘Covid Pass’, claiming that the scheme is unlawful “as it is disproportionate and unevidenced”.

Investigations by Telford and Wrekin Council’s trading standards officers, into puppies being sold illegally in Telford, has resulted in a successful prosecution at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 7th January.

Wales will complete the move to alert level 0 on 28 January, First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed today, unless the public health situation changes for the worse.

MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee have been told that the number of spiking cases in the UK is likely to be ‘underreported quite significantly’.

Legislation to end the harmful practice of setting ‘glue traps’ is to be brought forward by the Scottish Government in order to protect animal welfare.

England's Plan B measures are to end from next Thursday (27 January 2022), with mandatory face coverings in public places and Covid passports both dropped, the Prime Minister has announced.

The Government has published its response to the consultation on the draft statutory guidance on measures in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (“the Act”)) in relation to the sale, delivery and possession of bladed articles, bladed products and corrosives. The final version of the guidance has also been published.

Scottish Government confirms that additional measures aimed at stemming the spread of the Omicron variant whilst the vaccination booster programme took effect are to be lifted from 5:00am on Monday 24th January 2022.

Covid cases have plunged by a third compared to this time last week, official figures show.

Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has issued a statement following a review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

A couple who illegally bred dogs have been ordered to pay more than £450,000 following a successful prosecution by Vale of Glamorgan Council.

There is currently no regulator to ensure venues have adequate first aid provision, the Manchester Arena Inquiry has been told.

The Gambling Commission has issued an update on the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms launched almost 3 years ago, and set the framework for improving prevention, education, and treatment support around gambling harms throughout Great Britain.

The BBC reported that "closing strip clubs in Bristol" will push the sex industry underground and put dancers "into more danger", a woman who works one of the venues says.

The Gambling Commission is consulting on changes to its Licensing, Compliance, and Enforcement Policy.

The Scottish Governemnt have confirmed that large outdoor events can resume without physical distancing or capacity limits from 00:01 on Monday 17 January, following a review of all measures in place to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Measures covering indoor events and hospitality to be reviewed in one week.

Majority of respondents support tougher security measures, including a legal duty on public venues, to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks.

The Home Office and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) are preparing to allow digital identity checks within the new trust framework developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

North Northamptonshire Council has agreed to pay "substantial damages" to a publican who alleged abuse of process in a food safety case brought against him by a predecessor authority more than 20 years ago.

The Government is consulting on a national relaxation of licensing hours for Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on the 2 June 2022.  The consultation is aimed at members of the public, local licensing authorities, licensed premises, and other interested parties in England and Wales where these proposals apply.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has asked people to keep taking steps to protect each other and keep Wales safe from the wave of Omicron cases, as he confirms that alert level 2 measures will stay in place in Wales.

Councils must continue holding meetings in person, the Government has said, as it rejected calls to introduce laws despite the spread of the Omicron variant.

Defra has been working with stakeholders to carry out a “light touch review” of the guidance notes that accompany The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

Pubs, clubs and bars could be allowed to stay open for an extra 2 hours over extended bank holiday weekend.

The online Temporary Event Notice (TEN) Form and the Prescribed form of counter notice (permitted limits) have been updated on gov.uk to reflect a change in the number of TENs permitted in a calendar year.

Nightclubs will close from 27 December to tackle the transmission of Omicron which continues to spread rapidly. The Scottish Government says the closures will be reviewed in three weeks/

A £40 million support package for businesses in the hospitality sector has been announced by the Northern Ireland Executive.

New measures including 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces, and the rule of 6  gatherings in regulated premises will be introduced from 6am on Boxing Day to help keep Wales safe.

A £21 million support package to support Scotland's cultural and events organisations and freelancers experiencing cancellations due to the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant has been announced.

From today (22 December 2022), new guidance enables the 10-day self-isolation period for people who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) to be reduced to 7 days, in most cases.

This guidance is for licensing authority staff responsible for the issue, renewal, suspension and revocation of private hire and taxi driver licences and operator licences (called booking office licences in Scotland). It has been updated to explain changes to checks from 6 April 2022.

The Government laid in Parliament a Statutory Instrument making permanent the right to erect without planning application a "moveable structure within the curtilage of [non-listed] pubs, cafes, restaurants or historic visitor attractions".

The guidance on actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus has been updated to include the latest advice on lateral flow testing.

Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak has announced.

Ola, the world’s third largest app-based operator of private hire vehicles (“PHV”) and taxis, with some 1.5 million drivers globally, has a new 15-month London private hire operator’s licence following their successful appeal against Transport for London’s (“TfL”) decision not to renew their licence when it expired back in October 2020. The case was reported in The Telegraph on 17 December 2021.

Scotland is introducing additional steps to slow spread of dominant Omicron variant that will be reviewed after three weeks.

Marrying couples will have greater choice in how they celebrate their big day under government plans to legalise outdoor weddings in England and Wales.

Measures originally introduced during the pandemic will now be made permanent following public consultation.

Sporting events will be played behind closed doors from Boxing Day in Wales to help control the spread of the new omicron variant.

Defra has been working with stakeholders to carry out a “light touch review” of the guidance notes that accompany The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The updated guidance notes will come into force on 1st February 2022 and will be published on gov.uk in html format.

First Minister First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS has published a written statement following the latest review of the coronavirus regulations.    The statement sets out the Welsh Government’s expectations that the number of cases of the omicron variant will increase sharply, and new restrictions which will come into force on 27 December to help control the spread of the virus and to prevent large numbers of people needing hospital care. The measures include 2 metre social distancing for businesses and services after Christmas, while nightclubs must close from 27th December.

The Government said there is not sufficient new evidence which makes a compelling case for extending all of the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003 to airside premises.

Statement from the Executive says scenario planning is underway to develop a package of potential measures that could be used to slow the spread of the virus and when would be the most effective time to deploy them.

New guidance to help limit the rapid spread of the Omicron variant has been published. This guidance will take effect from 00.01 Friday 17 December. From Friday, businesses will be legally required to take reasonable measures to minimise transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events - despite nearly 100 Conservative MPs voting against the government's plans.

As Omicron continues to spread, the Scottish Government sets out new guidance and measures to take effect from midnight on Friday to stem the flow of transmission, keep businesses and services open, and protect against pressure on health services.

The Welsh Government are seeking views on an updated National Strategy to stop violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Guidance has been published for organisations setting out which venues and events must use the NHS COVID Pass, or equivalent proof of vaccination or testing, as a condition of entry, and how to operate the scheme.  It is published on the basis that if approved by Parliament, checking the COVID-19 status of attendees will be mandatory in certain settings from 6am Wednesday 15 December.

Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, calls for urgent legislation to facilitate councils being able to host remote meetings in light of the Omicron variant.

Councils have warned people looking to buy a puppy this Christmas to be on the lookout for criminal sellers.

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended to ministers that the UK COVID-19 alert level should increase from Level 3 to Level 4.

The draft Regulations imposing duties on those responsible for organising certain events, or managing certain venues to check the vaccination status of costumers in England have been published. These Regulations will be voted on, on Tuesday 13 December 2021 by the House of Commons.

NEXSTART Group A has produced an advice note on spiking.

The House of Lords COVID-19 Committee has published its report which recommends increased power and resources for local authorities, a blended approached to regeneration and a focus on tackling inequalities.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has issued a written statement following the review of The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020.  The statement advises that  changes on face coverings (intended to remove any ambiguity from the regulations) will come into force on Saturday 11 December, meanwhile Wales will remain at alert level zero, although the public health situation will be closely monitored with Ministers meeting regularly to consider if additional protections are necessary in light of the omicron variant.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings) (England) Regulations 2021 (“the principal Regulations”) to add to the list of places where face coverings must be worn, provide for gatherings where face coverings need not be worn, correct errors in the principal Regulations, remove the powers of the Secretary of State to disapply its legal requirements for the purposes of legal research, and clarify which persons are potentially liable to prosecution for an offence in relation to contraventions of regulations 6 and 7. They also extend the period during which the Regulations are in force until 26th January 2022.

As part of this inquiry, the Committee has also launched a public survey to give individuals who have experienced or witnessed incidents of spiking ,the opportunity to explain what happened and what support was provided following the incident, including what happened if the incident was reported.

Britain’s managed pub, bar and restaurant groups recorded tentative sales growth in November, the new edition of the Coffer CGA Business Tracker reveals—but with the news of restrictions due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, and supply and staffing costs all rising, Christmas trading is under severe pressure.

The Gambling Commission has published its annual Compliance and Enforcement Report – a document featuring the findings of the regulator’s extensive casework against licence holders and detailing where the industry needs to raise standards.

Covid certification scheme includes provision for a negative test for Covid-19, as an alternative to proof of vaccination.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has announced that England will move to Plan B with the first measures being introduced from this week.

The High Court has handed down its judgement in the case of United Trade Action Group Ltd, R (On the Application Of) v Transport for London [2021] EWHC 3290 (Admin).

Irish Government approves additional public health measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Government has updated a range of online guidance to reflect new rules in response to Omicron variant.

Lawyers in Local Government and the Association of Democratic Services Officers have called on the Government to restore the ability of councils to meet remotely, even if only for a temporary period, in light of the emergence of the Omicron Covid variant.

BBC reports that a decision on whether to extend Covid passes to pubs and restaurants will be made at the "last minute", First Minister Mark Drakeford has said.

Guidance on actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus has been updated.

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) have launched a campaign to establish the position of Night Time Economy Advisors in every major city in the UK, arguing they will help to kickstart the embattled sector’s recovery from pandemic closures.

Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) conducted enforcement operations in Telford and Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton on Saturday 27 November.

Greentube Alderney – which operates admiralcasino.co.uk and bellfruitcasino.com – will also undergo extensive independent auditing for the failures which occurred between December 2019 and November 2020.

The government will introduce legislation in the next Finance Bill to make the renewal of certain licences in Scotland and Northern Ireland conditional on applicants completing checks that confirm they are appropriately registered for tax. The government intends to implement this change from April 2023.

The Department for Communities has updated its website regarding the expected commencement dates of the remaining changes that the Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 makes to liquor licensing laws in Northern Ireland.

Sefton Council have successfully appealed the decision of the Magistrates Court to grant a taxi driver licence to a former policeman with a previous conviction for abducting a 15-year-old girl.

The instrument makes this provision by requiring members of the public to wear face coverings indoors in a number of relevant places including whilst inside certain indoor settings including shops, shopping centres, banks, transports hubs, and when using public transport services, in England, except in limited cases.

The effect of this amendment will be that anyone in England who is notified by NHS Test and Trace (or other specified bodies) that they are a close contact of a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant will be legally required to self-isolate regardless of age or vaccination status.

England's Covid rules are being strengthened in response to concern over the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced. From 4am Tuesday 30 November face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from doing so.

IoL Chairman Daniel Davies presented special recognitions to Margaret O'Donnell and Joanne Moran from Wirral Council and Kate Roberts from Merseyside Police at the IoL's National Training Conference on 18th November 2021.

It was a pleasure and a privilege for the Institute of Licensing to be able to recognise the unique contributions to licensing and to the Instiute of Licensing for two of its prominent Board members. Gary Grant and Sarah Clover were both awarded Fellowship at the Institute's Gala dinner on Thursday 18th November 2021.

The High Court refuse permission to bring a judicial review claim in premises licence transfer consent dispute.

Permission to apply for judicial review has been granted in a challenge against the refusal to provide Cultural Recovery Funding as operated by the Art Council at the behest of the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture Media and Sports.

Scotland's vaccine passport system will not be extended to more venues, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

The Award, provided by Poppleston Allen Solicitors and the Institute of Licensing, was presented to Andy Parsons in recognition of his oustanding contribution to licensing through his long term public service within the Home Office.

The Gambling Commission are consulting on proposed changes and updates to its Licensing, Compliance and Enforcement Policy. The consultation will run until 9 February 2022).

Offenders released from prison face being banned from drinking from today (17 November 2021) under world-first plans to curb alcohol-fuelled crime.

DVLA has launched a consultation on widening the pool of healthcare professionals that can complete a driver’s medical questionnaire. The aim is to reduce the burden on the medical profession.

The Home Office has updated its immigration status checking guidance.

Sex entertainment venues (SEVs) in the Highlands will be required to hold a licence from 2023, following a decision by the council’s licensing committee.

Greater Manchester’s Leaders have published the final set of standards that taxis and private hire vehicles that are licensed by GM local authorities will be expected to meet by 2024. There will be local transition arrangements to help smooth the path for owners of vehicles, as well as funding from the GM Clean Air Plan to help locally licensed vehicle owners to upgrade to lower emission vehicles.

In Camayo v Colchester Borough Council [2021] EWHC 2933, Peter Marquand, sitting as a deputy High Court judge, ruled on a Hackney Carriage ownership dispute.

The Licensed Private Car Hire Association (LPCHA) estimates the industry is short of 160,000 of the previously 300,000-strong workforce who have not returned after the pandemic. It has suggested that a backlog in licensing and registration of vehicles, as well as criminal and medical checks for drivers, are partly to blame.

HH Judge Nicholas Dean Q.C., Honorary Recorder of Manchester, has dismissed two cases brought by Animal Protection Services, a private prosecutor, following serious concerns they "may have been involved in systematic fraud and in perverting the course of public justice."

A court as overturned a decision of Fenland Council's sub-committee to remove former Wisbech mayor Aigars Balsevics as DPS of the Angel public house in Wisbech for Covid-19 breaches.

Aldershot Magistrates Court has upheld our decision to revoke a person's Private Hire Driver and Operator Licence.

The IoL hopes to assist the Inquiry in understanding the position in relation to premises licence conditions concerning first aid provision,

Cancelled rides and long waits for cabs across the UK are fuelling women’s fears.

The government has published the Spending Review, delivering on key commitments to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, support the jobs and industries of the future and invest in a high-wage, high-skill economy.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that  alert level zero protective measures will be strengthened to keep people safe and help reduce high levels of coronavirus in Wales.

The Betting and Gaming Council has pledged to “keep up the momentum” in its quest to raise standards after a new report suggested that problem and at-risk gambling rates are falling.

Vaccine passports could fuel the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging people to go to poorly ventilated pubs instead of large venues, the Government’s own impact assessment has reportedly warned.

Plymouth Live reported that in March Plymouth City Council sought to ban Michael Dawson, aged 49, from selling dogs or being in any business which bred or sold them. He sold dogs over Facebook and Instagram without a licence.

Nottinghamshire Police have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into spiking incidents in Nottingham.

The Welsh government has confirmed anyone caught using a fake Covid pass or lateral flow test result in Wales will be fined.

The ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses across the whole of London, including in the City of London.

HMRC has published draft regulations for technical consultation. The draft regulations contain administrative details about how the tax check process will operate; in particular, how certain actions must be carried out and when certain actions take place.

The National Pubwatch Awards held at the House of Lords on 19th October saw Dan Davies, chairman of the Institute of Licensing (IoL), receive an Award of Merit. There were also two Bravery and Meritorious Conduct Awards given to door supervisor of Shooshh in Brighton, Clive Read and general manager of The Winery in Burton, Becky Goulding, while Bedsafe, the Bedford pubwatch, was awarded the National Pubwatch Award 2021.

A shortage of door security staff in the UK could become a "threat to public safety", the Night Time Industry Association (NTIA) has warned.

Scottish government issue guidance to help local councils enforce the vaccine certification (or COVID passport) scheme.

The Scottish government's vaccine passport scheme has become enforceable by law from today (18/10/2021).

HMRC has published information on Gov.UK to help licensees and licensing bodies to prepare for new tax checks that were introduced in Schedule 33 of Finance Act 2021.

Scottish Government publish further vaccine passport guidance including privacy templates, sample certificates, guidance on how to carry out the scheme.

A workers' union has filed a claim alleging that a facial recognition algorithm used by Uber is leading to the termination of darker-skinned workers at a disproportionate rate.

The SIA has published its interim update to the Manchester Arena Inquiry, which outlines the SIA's progress on 2 of the Inquiry's monitored recommendations.

A casino will pay £450,000 after a Gambling Commission investigation revealed social responsibility and anti-money laundering failures at the business.

A new report released today has found that the UK’s night time cultural economy sector has been ravaged by the pandemic, with around 86,000 jobs lost in the sector since the 2019 high. The revelations have implications for the wider economy’s recovery from the pandemic, with clear evidence of significant economic ‘scarring’.

They are compulsory for over-18s, and show people have either tested negative on a lateral flow test or are fully vaccinated against Covid.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 require a review of the coronavirus restrictions is undertaken every three weeks. The most recent review was due by 8 October.

Following a cumulative impact area (CIA) consultation earlier this summer, Walsall’s full council approved an updated licensing policy, expanding the cumulative impact policy currently in place across the WS1 postcode area. These changes to the policy have taken effect.

The Executive has agreed a number of gradual and proportionate relaxations to the current Coronavirus restrictions, informed by medical and scientific advice. The relaxations will take effect on 14th and 31st October 2021.

The Autumn and Winter Plan 2021, published on 14 September, sets out the government’s aims to sustain the progress made and prepare the country for future challenges, while ensuring the National Health Service (NHS) does not come under unsustainable pressure. If the data suggests the NHS is likely to come under unsustainable pressure, the government has prepared a Plan B for England.

Updated guidance for licensing authorities on how to check the immigration status of people who apply for a taxi or private hire licence.

Stephen McGowan from TLT Solicitors and IoL Scotland Regional Chair produced guidance on the Scottish vaccine certification scheme.

Successful bids from the third round of the Safer Streets Fund announced, with Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities across England and Wales to receive a total of £23.5 million on top of the £18.4 million already awarded this year for the second round of the Fund

Westminster approved amendments to its Licensing Policy to introduce new policies around delivery of alcohol as well as Late Night Refreshment.

The Scottish Government has issued guidance on how the vaccine certification (or COVID passport) scheme operates and what venues, businesses and event organisers need to do.

Landmark report reveals harms associated with gambling estimated to cost society at least £1.27 billion a year

The government is inviting responses to the detail on the proposed certification regime which could be introduced as part of Plan B. The government is particularly interested in views from businesses, event organisers and venue operators, including from those that have experience of using certification on a voluntary basis over the summer, and on the proposals for the workforce.

Deirdre Hargey, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Communities, has presented the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill to the Northern Ireland Assembly.   The Bill had its second reading on 27 September, marking the second  of a seven-step process that must be completed before the amendment expires in 2022.

A team of industry experts has been assembled to help England’s pubs, restaurants and cafes to thrive.  The council met for the first time this week and its purpose is to help deliver the government’s Hospitality Strategy which intended to help firms to reopen, recover and become resilient following the pandemic through al fresco dining and takeaways.

The government has updated guidance on council powers under COVID-19 regulations.

The prospect of vaccine passports being used at indoor and outdoor venues in England this winter has been raised again by the Government.

Westminster City Council is consulting on a unique new gambling policy that aims to protect people who may be vulnerable to gambling-related harm and gambling addiction.

In what is believed to be a sector first, today sees the national launch of a 50-page report covering the COVID-19 related legislative changes which affected the hospitality sector, from the start of restrictions to Step 4 of the Roadmap and the full re-opening of hospitality in July 2021.

The Night Time Industries Association has reportedly instructed lawyers to commence legal proceedings against the Scottish government in relation to plans to require people to prove they have had two doses of vaccine before entering certain venues and large events.

The Scottish Government has published an update on plans for introducing a COVID-19 vaccine certification scheme, including how the scheme will operate.

In yet a further development, it has been reported that Sajid Javid said he won’t rule out vaccine passports for pubs. This follows an announcement that the Government plans to introduce vaccine passports for access into nightclubs and large events in England have been shelved.

Councils and regional health chiefs have been given new powers to implement COVID-19 safety measures to use if the NHS in their areas become overwhelmed during the winter. These include enforcing mask wearing and social distancing in public spaces, buildings and transport and allow councils to close individual premises or events.

Council commits to reviewing its wheelchair accessible vehicle policy in line with meeting its climate zero carbon ambition by 2030. Dialogue advances with app developer to book accessible vehicles

The Parliamentary All Party Betting & Gaming Group has decided that for the year 2021/2022 it shall focus some of its time undertaking an investigation into the competence and effectiveness of the regulator of British gambling, the Gambling Commission.

Strategic Research & Insight (SRI), an independent Cardiff-based research agency has been commissioned by Welsh Government to interview stakeholders to explore establishing a statutory registration or licensing scheme for holiday accommodation operators in Wales.

People will have to show a NHS COVID Pass to enter nightclubs and attend events in Wales from next month, the First Minister announced.

These Regulations amend section 11 of the Business and Planning Act 2020. Section 11 makes temporary modifications to the Licensing Act 2003 and specifies that these modifications expire on 30 September 2021.

The Licensing and Registration of Clubs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 (the Act) which received Royal Assent on 26 August 2021. The changes will come into effect in phases over the next few years with Phase 1 on 1 October 2021.

The Prime Minister has set out the government’s plan to manage Covid throughout autumn and winter, with Plan B measures held in reserve if needed.

Plans to introduce vaccine passports for access into nightclubs and large events in England have been shelved.

The Scottish Parliament has approved the use of Coronavirus vaccination certificates to enter some events and higher risk venues.

A District Judge has dismissed an appeal against the revocation of a private hire driver’s licence after finding he was guilty of a “wholly inappropriate intrusion into the private life” of a passenger on two separate journeys.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has appointed Marcus Boyle as the next chair of the Gambling Commission for a term of five years.

Vaccine passports in nightclubs and other indoor venues in England will be required at the end of this month, the vaccines minister has confirmed.

This consultation contains proposed changes to two time-limited permitted development rights which were introduced to support businesses and the high street in response to the coronavirus pandemic. It covers moveable structures within the curtilage of a pub, café, restaurant, or historic visitor attractions and markets to be held by or on behalf of local authorities.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed a number of modest relaxations to the current Coronavirus Regulations which will come into effect on 10 September

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill is a Private Members Bill sponsored by Peter Gibson MP,  Conservative MP for Darlington.  The Bill was presented to Parliament on Wednesday 16 June 2021 through the ballot procedure. The Bill makes provision about licensing in relation to taxis and private hire vehicles for purposes relating to the safeguarding of passengers and road safety; and for connected purposes.

Councils received 1,000 complaints a day about noisy neighbours during the peak of the pandemic as multiple lockdowns forced many people to stay at home, according to a study.

Right to work checks end of temporary adjustments extended further to 2022 and revised guidance issued on 31 August 2021.

A company will assist the council with verifying DBS checks of home-to-school transport drivers after a firm's contract was cancelled and another's was suspended

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has appointed Marcus Boyle as the next chair of the Gambling Commission for a term of five years.

The Met and the Mayor of London have joined together with Safer Sounds, part of the Safer Business Network, and licensed venues across the capital to help keep people safe while enjoying a night out.

National Pubwatch and Best Bar None are working in partnership to support licensees and independent operators to reduce alcohol-related crime and meet their obligations under the Licensing Act.

Welfare standards for dogs imported to the UK are to be tightened amid a rise in the "grim trade" of puppy smuggling, the government has said.

The DfT have advised that a contingency face covering distribution programme has been extended in line with the recommendation and expectation that face coverings are worn in crowded settings such as public transport.

Event licence granted after High Court turns down judicial review claim on grounds of procedural defects.

The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Bill is set for a second reading in September.

A case before Brighton Magistrates’ Court provides a good example of the proper approach to the fit and proper test being applied in practice in taxi licensing cases.

The number of deaths in Scotland attributed to alcohol have risen to the highest level in 12 years as experts warned the Covid-19 pandemic threatens to “undermine” recent progress.

As live events such as music festivals and large sporting events resume over the coming months, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set out several recommended changes to the law and existing system of regulation, which are intended to protect consumers.

The Telegraph reported that nightclubs and concert venues could avoid social distancing rules during future coronavirus surges by agreeing to only admit customers who are double jabbed.

The LGA has called for public health to be added to the factors councils consider when granting licences for bars, clubs and other premises, in a bid to reduce the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions.

More than 7,000 licensed premises have not yet returned after last month’s ‘freedom day’, the latest Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners reveals.

The Welsh Government are consulting on proposed recommendations as a result of the review of the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 (the “Regulations”). The consultation will close on  17 September 2021.

The Welsh Government are consulting on proposed regulations under the new Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (Wales) Regulations 2021. The consultation will close on 1 October 2021.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to move on some major issues, including removal of the need to self-isolate for those who have received both vaccinations, and to permit the return of conferences and exhibitions and extend the numbers allowed at outdoor domestic settings.

A recent High Court decision is a timely reminder of the principal that procedural requirements are there to further the interests of justice.

The LGA say that giving councils the powers to consider the public health impact of licensing decisions is vital to protect communities from harm, reduce NHS costs and save lives.

The Gambling Commission has published new research which explores the gambling journeys and behaviours of young people and adults aged 16 to 30.

Leading figures of the nightlife industry – including venues Ministry of Sound and Heaven – have joined the national effort to get the country vaccinated as they urge young people to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will urge everyone to continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as he confirms Wales will move to the new alert level zero on Saturday [August 7].

This strategy sets out the actions the government will take to improve the everyday lives of all disabled people including provisions relating to taxi accessibility.

Download the latest Journal of Licensing (Edition 30) and LINK magazine (Edition 11) from the IoL website.

The live events sector is set to get a boost with a government-backed insurance scheme worth over £750 million, which will help them plan events with confidence through to next year, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced.

The Statutory guidance: Local authority powers to impose restrictions: Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No 3) Regulations 2020, has been amended to remove reference to a recommendation asking the local authority to seek advice from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport when issuing a direction on events, added references to the 3 legal tests in the examples section, plus some minor changes to wording throughout.

The legal requirement for physical distancing and limits on gatherings will be removed on 9 August when all venues across Scotland are able to re-open.

Data about the number of licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in England and Wales, produced by Department for Transport.

Robert Jenrick MP tells councils to help meet the increased demand for domestic holidays over the summer because the Government wants to see more temporary campsites.

Vale of White Horse district Council has successfully prosecuted a taxi driver from Oxford after he admitted driving a taxi when not licensed to do so and failing to report damage to a licensed vehicle to the council.

The Government decided to introduce legislation to restrict promotions of HFSS products by location and price in retailers that sell food and drink in-store and online in England. The government intends to lay legislation by mid-2021. The new legislation will be enforced by local authorities.

The Gambling Commission has published further data showing how the evolving Covid-19 lockdown measures have impacted online gambling behaviour in Great Britain.

Updates include additions to business and charity support, local government finance and funding, national restrictions, public health, schools and education, testing, travel, and vaccines.

MHCLG letter to Chief Executives on Delivery and Recovery of Local Authority Regulatory Services calling on LAs to "support the ongoing need for you to prioritise activity based on local need and intelligence".

The Institute of Licensing, RSPH, the Chartered Institute of Environment Health, the UK Public Health Network, the Joint Council for Cosmetics Practitioners, and Save Face, respond to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing’s recent report into the cosmetics industry.

The Business and Planning Act 2020 (Pavement Licences) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2021, which extend temporary pavement licence provisions to 30 September 2022, comes into effect.

The Government has confirmed it is considering the long-term future of pavement licences, with the aim of consulting on how to make them permanent.

People attending nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather in England will need to be fully vaccinated from the end of September, the government says.

Guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020.

The Local Government Secretary has confirmed plans to establish new unitary councils in Cumbria, North Yorkshire and Somerset.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Aesthetics and Wellbeing (the APPG), Chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and Judith Cummins MP, has published its final report into botox, fillers and similar aesthetic non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

The SIA has published a 'snapshot' profile of the door supervision sector. The report looks at employment issues in the sector. It draws on findings from recent surveys and past research conducted by the SIA. It also uses data from the SIA licensing system.

Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus.

On Monday 19 July, the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets Paul Scully MP gave a written statement to the House of Commons on the Government's new Hospitality Strategy outlining plans to support the hospitality sector in recovering from the covid-19 pandemic. The strategy sets out the Government's long-term vision for the sector.

Cases continue to rise but the Government says the link with hospitalisations and deaths substantially weakened due to vaccination programme.

These Regulations revoke the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 and other Regulations imposing Covid restrictions.

Wales will take its next step towards a future with fewer covid legal restrictions as First Minister Mark Drakeford today set out a longer-term plan for the summer.

Long-term plan to support the evolution of high streets into thriving places to work, visit and live will breathe new life into town centres has been launched.

A joint IoL and NTIA letter has been sent to Chairmen of Licensing Committees in councils across the country calling for pragmatism from licensing authorities saying "Partnership working with businesses, to allow them to recover and make their contribution to the economy has never been more important."

This Government guidance will come into effect when England moves to step 4 of the roadmap.

Updated guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

People should continue to follow public health measures to protect one another as all of Scotland prepares to move to Level 0 at 00:01 on Monday 19 July.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that Step 4 of the Roadmap will go ahead on Monday 19 July.  This follows an initial delay from 21 June, which was intended to enable more adults to be vaccinated.

The guidance has been updated to include the ‘Moving to Step 4 of the roadmap’ publication following the announcements earlier today. In addition, the Guidance 'Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread from 19 July' has been updated.

The Welsh Government has confirmed that face coverings will continue to be required in certain settings, such as public transport and taxis, and health and social care, as a minimum, while coronavirus remains a public health threat.

DfT extends the offer to transport bodies of contingency face coverings for passengers at zero cost in line with the decision to pause Step 4 of the roadmap by four weeks.

This Order is made under section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17) and marks the occasion of the final match of the 2020 UEFA European Championship on 11th July 2021, which is hosted in the United Kingdom.

Guidance relating to "planning a wedding or civil partnership ceremony or reception, wake or commemorative event in venues such as gardens or marquees on private land" has been updated.

COVID restrictions are set to end in England from step 4 of the Roadmap after the Prime Minister set out how life will soon return close to normal.

The Institute of Licensing has responded to the consultation on hidden economy conditionality in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Cheshire West & Chester Council is to hold its next full meeting virtually with decisions later ratified under urgency procedures.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will host a press conference this afternoon to set out plans for the final step of the Roadmap in England.

It has been confirmed that Bedford will be the first town in the UK to trial a new Uber initiative in partnership with a local taxi company.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the Local Levels Regulations”).

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has today finalised a Bill to modernise outdated liquor licensing legislation in Northern Ireland.

Local councils in England urged to support businesses to set-up temporary ‘pop-up’ campsites without the need to apply for planning permission. The provisions do not remove the legal requirement for campsite licences, and the government is encouraging local authorities to expedite new applications for licences to provide certainty for applicants.

This Order makes a number of changes to the documents which can be produced in order to evidence an individual’s right to work in the United Kingdom.

A taxi driver from Henley has been banned from driving and ordered to pay almost £1,000 after admitting driving a hackney carriage vehicle while not licensed and while uninsured. His taxi proprietor must also pay more than £1,200 following the offences, as it was their licensed vehicle he was driving.

Drinkers at west Wales pub on day of Wales v Turkey Euro 2020 game told to self-isolate after positive Covid case

The Welsh government had asked fans to avoid shouting, singing, or chanting wherever they watched the game to try to prevent the virus spreading through air droplets.

A popular bowling alley and entertainment venue has been handed an improvement notice for breaching coronavirus regulations just a month after reopening.

UEFA EURO 2020 semi-finals and final on 6, 7 and 11 July 2021 will see the largest crowds assembled at a sporting event in the UK in over 15 months.

A round-up of updated Covid19 guidance published on gov.uk.

Measures no longer necessary to support the ongoing public health response will be removed from the Scottish Coronavirus Acts after Parliament approved their expiration including expiration of powers to prevent the public attending in person local authority meetings and alcohol licensing hearings

The whole of Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19 July if all necessary vaccination and harm reduction measures are met.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Local Levels) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the Local Levels Regulations”) including provisions relating to hospitality venues.

LLG (Lawyers in Local Government) has called for the ability of local authorities in England to hold meetings virtually to be put on a permanent footing, “to be used flexibility by each individual local authority when it so determines”.

In January this year the High Court sided with a London Hackney Carriage trade group and ruled that the London Streetspace Plan and a traffic order closing part of the A10 at Bishopsgate, in the City of London, to most vehicles including taxis were both unlawful and should be quashed.

The Government has announced that it will delay the requirements to undertake face to face right to work check to August.

It is sometimes said that if a taxi (hackney carriage) driver outside London applies to renew his driver’s licence, but the licensing authority fails to determine his application before the licence expires, he must stop working as a taxi driver until the authority makes a decision. A recent taxi-licensing appeal in Nottingham Crown Court suggests that the issue may not always be so clear-cut.  Gerald Gouriet QC explains the position in this authored article.

Outdoor civil wedding and partnership ceremonies in England and Wales are set to be legalised for the first time – offering greater choice to couples in a boost to the wedding sector.

In its statement, the Northern Ireland Executive cited concerns about the increase and speed of the Delta variant, and confirmed a new indicative date of 5 July for further relaxations (to be reviewed on 1 July). It was previously hoped that the relaxation of rules which include resumption of live music along with removing the cap on outdoor gatherings and other measures, would have come into force on 21 June.

First Minister Mark Drakeford will announce a 4-week pause to the coronavirus rules today (June 18) to help boost protection against the new delta variant.

MPs backed the government's delay by 461 to 60 to England's national Covid restrictions delay to 19 July 2021.

NEXSTART has issued two new advice notes dealing with issues associated with the use of outdoor areas.

Over 45 hospitality, tourism, weddings and events companies have jointly written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson today to threaten legal action should the July reopening date face further delay.

The Hon Sir John Saunders, Chairman of the Manchester Arena Inquiry has published Volume One of his report into the death of the 22 victims of the suicide bomb attack on 22nd May 2017. The report, Volume 1: Security for the Arena is the first of three and examines the security arrangements in place at the Manchester Arena.

Marc Abraham (aka Marc the Vet) has been awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to animal welfare. Marc is a tireless campaigner for animal welfare and led the Lucy's Law campaign. He is currently leading a campaign to raise the minimum age for puppies imported into the UK. Marc joins other key IoL contacts including Kate Nicholls OBE and Andy Mahoney MBE who were awarded in the 2021 New Year Honours List.

We are delighted to announce that the Jeremy Allen Award, now in its 10th year, in partnership with Poppleston Allen Solicitors, is now open for nominations.

The Regulations extending the current restrictions in England have been published following the announcement by the Prime Minister on 14 June.

The government has announced a 4-week pause at Step 3. However, some restrictions will change on 21 June including weddings and commemorative events.

The Guardian reports that business groups call for government to support hospitality industry including nightclubs and bars.

UKHospitality is calling  for  urgent further support for suffering hospitality businesses following the announcement that Covid restrictions will remain for another four weeks.

These Regulations amend section 11 of the Business and Planning Act 2020 to extend the application of the modifications to the end of 30 September 2022 and also amends section 107 of the 2003 Act to increase, for the years 2022 and 2023, the number of TENs which may be given in relation to the same premises in the calendar year.

Prior to these Regulations, the date specified in each of those subsections is 30th September 2021. Regulation 4 extends the dates specified in sections 4(1)(b), (2)(b) and (4) by twelve months, to 30th September 2022.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics indicate a fifth of pubs and bars fear they won’t survive until early August despite an upturn in optimism since restrictions on hospitality were eased.

Updated Government guidance including guidance for people living in areas with variants of concern.

Taxi firms have said a shortage of new drivers, combined with people leaving the industry, has left them unable to meet demand.

Government launches second Animal Welfare Bill to protect pets, livestock and wild animals

A report into the future of UK music festivals by the DCMS Select Committee finds the sector faces another ‘lost summer' directly as a result of the Government's refusal to back insurance for events at risk of cancellation due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gambling operators in Northern Ireland will face a statutory levy and mandatory code of practice under the first phase of reforms to gambling laws.

In a wide-ranging decision, the First Tier Tribunal has brought clarity to several aspects of regulatory practice associated with gambling operating licences. Philip Kolvin QC explains the case in Stakers Limited v The Gambling Commission .

National Pubwatch has announced the release of their latest free training film, which is related to supporting vulnerable people.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that up to 30 people will be able to meet outdoors and large outdoor activities will be able to take place from Monday 7th June, as Wales moves into alert level one.

Almost a quarter of restaurants, pubs and bars have yet to reopen during the pandemic with 8,500 closing their doors for good, a report has found.

Oxfordshire County Council has proposed limitations to smoking in outdoor areas, including the creation of outdoor ‘smoke free’ zones in pub and restaurant gardens.

County Lines drug gang jailed for 40 years after their taxi driver’s camera records all their conversations.

LLG, ADSO and Bevan Brittan issue guidance for local authorities on remote meetings following High Court judgment.

The easing of lockdown restrictions has been paused for millions of people in Scotland - but rules are to be relaxed in Glasgow from Saturday.

The Committee was appointed in June 2020 to consider the long-term implications of the pandemic on the economic and societal wellbeing of the UK.  The inquiry into the impact of the pandemic on towns and cities opened on 24 May, and the Committee will hear oral evidence in June and July.  The closing date for written submissions is 30 June.

CIEH have launched their 2020/21 Noise Survey which aims to ensure that the health impacts of noise are considered in national policy decisions.  The survey is live now and will close on Tuesday 31 August 2021.

The Scottish Government has imposed travel and entry restrictions on a number of local authority areas in England.

New guidance issued by the Government has imposed additional local restrictions of a number of English regions.

According to the real estate adviser’s research, 384 pubs – on average six per week – have ‘vanished’ during the Covid-19 pandemic so far, having either been demolished or converted for different use, according to new figures from Altus Group.

Boris Johnson has said there is now a “very good chance” of ending coronavirus restrictions completely on June 21 in his most optimistic assessment yet.

ULL has issued proceedings in the High Court seeking a declaration as to whether the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 (the 1998 Act) requires an operator accepting a booking from a passenger to enter into a contract with that passenger to provide the journey.

Cotswold District Council has successfully prosecuted two individuals for operating a vehicle without a private hire licence and not fulfilling private hire operator requirements thanks to reports from a member of the public.

An important message from our Chairman within the foreword, where he reiterates the need to work together and the simple fact that ‘The gains made from true partnership could be the difference between success and failure for your high streets and public spaces.’

Events without masks and social distancing are as safe as going to a shopping centre or eating in a restaurant, early reports appear to suggest. Matches at Wembley, a nightclub in Liverpool and the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield were among the test events.

The Gambling Commission has published a revised version of the Guidance to licensing authorities including track changes.

Across Britain, there are 9.7% fewer restaurants to choose from, compared with before the pandemic.

This is the first in a series of regular updates by HMRC to help licensing bodies prepare for tax conditionality, a new policy that will introduce a tax check into the licencing process for some licence applications in England and Wales from April 2022.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has not ruled out imposing local lockdown restrictions in places worst affected by the Indian variant of coronavirus.

Most of mainland Scotland has moved to Level 2 but Moray and Glasgow City local council areas will stay at Level 3 for a further period due to the number of COVID-19 cases.

They amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 (“Steps Regulations”), to move all places in England (including the territorial sea and airspace above England) from the Step 2 area to the Step 3 area, so that the restrictions set out in Schedule 3 to the Steps Regulations apply throughout England with effect from 17th May 2021.

A High Court judge has dismissed a legal challenge brought by street traders over Birmingham council's implementation of a regulatory framework that requires stall owners to sell products not readily available on the high street.

Wales will move into alert level 2 on Monday, the First Minister confirmed as coronavirus levels remain low and vaccination rates remain the best in the UK.

People will be able to hug and meet in private homes as most of mainland Scotland moves to Level 2, with eased restrictions on hospitality, entertainment, education and sport.

The temporary COVID-19 adjusted right to work checks will now end on 20 June 2021, and from 21 June 2021 checks will revert to face to face and physical document checks as set out in legislation and guidance.

Following a successful prosecution by Vale of White Horse District Council, Wyldecrest Parks (Management) Limited, based in Harrow, Middlesex, have been fined £100,000 and ordered to pay more than £11,000 costs after being found guilty of breaching two planning enforcement notices.

The Government's action plan for animal welfare sets out its plans, aims and ambitions across animal welfare.

National Association of Local Councils, said the decision by government had left local authorities in an "impossible situation", having to "navigate through changing guidance and rules" to make meetings safe, while continuing with business.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) have joined forces with public health organisations to send a joint letter to Nadine Dorries MP, the Minister responsible for cosmetic treatments regulation.

Hillingdon Council has permanently protected the welfare of 23 dogs and 23 cats that were rescued from an unlicensed animal business in West Drayton which has also recently been prosecuted.

The Prime Minister has today (10 May) confirmed that the next phase in England's roadmap out of lockdown will be implemented as planned on 17 May including the reopening of indoor hospitality.

The Night Time industries Association (NTIA) has announced plans to take legal action against the Scottish Government over coronavirus restrictions.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020, as amended have been published with amendments which came into force on 3 May shown as tracked changes.

IoL Chairman Daniel Davies has written to members as regulators and businesses across the UK prepare for the next stages of the long-awaited emergence from lockdown.

A legal challenge seeking an earlier reopening date for indoor hospitality has failed in the High Court.

A new report, Pleasant Lands, coordinated by third sector drug policy reform organisation Volteface has today been released, promising a solution to ‘draconian, pointless’ hemp legislation.

Letter from the Minister for Local Government to councils in England on the High Court’s judgment regarding remote meetings.

BBC reported that a man has been charged after three people were seriously injured in a rickshaw taxi crash.

The Government has revealed the cost to the licensed trade of implementing the new statutory guidance.

A High Court judge has given the United Trade Action Group (UTAG), a body representing the interests of the hackney carriage trade, permission to judicially review the decision of TfL to grant a Private Hire Operator’s Licence to a business whose private hire drivers work off a smartphone ride-hailing app called FREENOW.

A guide has been provided for licensees planning to show Euro 2020 games in their pubs this summer. This guide has been produced by the BBPA in partnership with UKHospitality, the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), the Local Government Association and the National Police Chiefs’ Council with the aim to encourage police, licensing authorities and the licensed trade to work together to ensure a safe andsuccessful tournament. It is also supported by the Institute of Licensing (IoL), National PubWatch, and the National Association of Licensing Enforcement Officers (NALEO).

The Department for Transport has written to licensing authorities setting a definitive deadline for implementation of the statutory guidance.

Minister of State for Regional Growth and Local Government Luke Hall MP, has written to local authorities following the the judgment from High Court that the Local Government Act 1972 does not allow local authorities to hold meetings virtually.

Philip Kolvin QC asks whether the High Court's decision that remote local authority meetings cannot continue without new legislation applies to licensing committee hearings.

All fixed penalty notices for coronavirus lockdown breaches should be reviewed, according to the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

The Prime Minister said there is now a “very good chance” of ending coronavirus restrictions completely on June 21.

Arts world luminaries including actors, directors and festival organisers have written to the government calling for the introduction of Covid-status certificates.

The application to the High Court made by ADSO, LLG and Hertfordshire County Council in relation to virtual meeting provision for local authorities has today been dismissed.

The 2021 BRIT Awards ceremony will go ahead with a live audience as the latest addition to the government’s Events Research Programme

Updated guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The Government has announced an end to temporary adjustments that allowed for remote identity checks that was introduced because of coronavirus.

The Department for Transport has written to local authorities offering facemasks to Local Transport Authorities and transport operators.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed in his written statement that Wales is on track for indoor hospitality reopening from Monday 17 May in line with England.

Six people will be able to meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday 24 April while outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen from Monday 26 April as cases of new COVID-19 infections continue to fall, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed today.

From Monday 26 April, hospitality venues such as cafés, pubs and restaurants can reopen, along with tourist accommodation. Non-essential retail outlets and close contact services such as beauty salons can also reopen, in addition to indoor attractions and public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries.

Robert Jenrick MP has written to local authorities saying cutting red tape is a lifeline for businesses as they look to bounce back from a uniquely challenging year.

COVID-19 enforcement powers for local authorities to enforce COVID-secure regulations has been updated.

On Sunday 2 May, Festival Republic will host an outdoor gig at Sefton Park, Liverpool, as the latest event to join the government’s Events Research Programme to get large audiences back to live events safely this summer.

Northern Ireland Executive has agreed a package of relaxations to the current Coronavirus Health Regulations.

These regulations implement "accelerated easing of restrictions" in Scotland from Friday 16 April 2021.

Following a prosecution of unlicensed dog and cat breeders brought by the London Borough of Hillingdon, on 6 April 2021, at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Deborah Wright sentenced a husband and wife team to almost £50,000 in financial penalties for breeding and selling dogs and cats without the necessary licence required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and regulations.

The government have published 'Guidance about the Events Research Programme (ERP), paving the way for larger audiences to attend sport, theatre and gigs safely this summer', providing information for attendees and those hosting the ERP Pilot Events.

The Gambling Commission has fined five casinos after uncovering social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings at each venue.

This guidance sets out restrictions on certain businesses and venues in England during coronavirus restrictions.

This guidance details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England.

A joint consultation between licensing authorities across Gloucestershire has been launched to decide on common licensing standards for taxi and private hire services.

From Friday 16 April, travel within Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise will be allowed, and six people from six households can meet outdoors

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 (“Steps Regulations”), to move England from the Step 1 area to the Step 2 area, so that the restrictions set out in Schedule 2 to the Steps Regulations apply in England with effect from 12th April 2021.

Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has said he will support the High Court claim being brought over the ability of councils in England to hold remote meetings.

Transport for London has been granted permission to appeal against a High Court ruling that its traffic reduction policies were unlawful.

A pub landlord says he has spent £50,000 on a chalet for outside dining but was told a week before opening it contravenes Covid-19 rules.

People will be able to form an extended household, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned, as the public health situation - and vaccination rates - continue to improve.

Over the course of the last two days (7-8 April 2021), the High Court has heard argument in a case that involves a challenge to the newly adopted Birmingham Street Trading Policy.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for people who work in or run restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes or takeaways was updated on 8 April 2021.

New Government guidance aimed at local authorities in England and is designed to assist local authorities in ensuring that events are able to go ahead safely and in accordance with what is permitted at each step of the Roadmap.

The guidance says the Welsh Government are developing new legislation and will be engaging with key stakeholders over the next 12 months to ensure this meets the needs of the sector. However it said this new legislation would take some time to develop properly.

The Local Government Association said COVID-19 status certification is likely to bring significant implications for councils, particularly with regards to licensing.

The EFL Cup Final and an FA Cup Semi-Final are set to be among a range of pilot events hosting audiences as part of the government’s plan to get big crowds back this summer.

The Prime Minister confirmed the roadmap is on track and planned easements on 12 April can go ahead including outdoor pubs, shops, gyms and hairdressers.

The government is to trial a series of measures in England, including Covid passports, to allow the safe return of sports matches, events and nightclubs.

Both on and off licenced retailers, bars and restaurants have been invited to put forward proposals to trial new technology when carrying out age verification checks.

The First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has set out a series of measures that will take Wales fully into Alert Level 3 by 17th May, subject to public health conditions remaining favourable.

Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford has set out a series of measures that will take Wales fully into Alert Level 3 by 17th May, subject to public health conditions remaining favourable.

The Institute of Licensing is publising its response to the call for evidence by the DCMS re the Review of the Gambling Act 2005.

New Restart Grants scheme launched by the Government providing funding of up to £18,000 to eligible businesses. In a joint letter from Small Business Minister Paul Scully and Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston, the Government thanked councils for supporting businesses but highlights urgency of ongoing support calling on all 314 local authorities across England to deliver new COVID grants to businesses in good time and take a flexible approach to updated restrictions.

"Sobriety tags" scheme, to fit electronic tags on offenders to see if they are breaching court-ordered drinking bans, is being rolled out across England.

The Government has updated guidance to reflect the progress of England’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The letter from the Minister addresses the use of minor variations to remove or amend premises licence conditions, and also considers the use of 'shadow licences'.

Updated guidance has been published following confirmation that emergency legislation regarding virtual council meetings will not be extended.

Wales’ tourism sector will be able to start re-opening from Saturday March 27 as the stay-local rule is lifted, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

The Prime Minister told MPs people visiting pubs could be asked to provide a vaccine certificate but it "may be up to individual publicans".

Boris Johnson and Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty have both warned that Britain will suffer another surge of COVID-19 as restrictions are eased but said it will not change the plan out of lockdown.

The Government’s “Closing certain businesses and venues in England” that sets out restrictions on certain businesses and venues in England during National Lockdown has been updated.

HMRC are consulting on proposals to make the renewal of certain licences in Scotland and Northern Ireland conditional on applicants completing checks that confirm they are appropriately registered for tax from April 2023.

Welsh Government has published ‘Taxi and private hire vehicles: licensing guidance’ aimed at licensing authorities, which includes short term recommendations intended to help manage the sector while new licensing legislation is developed.

This Bill was debated at second reading on Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 March 2021 and has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee which will scrutinise the Bill line by line and is expected to report to the House by Thursday 24 June 2021.

The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation on giving the courts the power to suspend quashing orders, removing so-called ‘Cart judgments’, and introducing a series of changes to civil procedure rules, following recommendations by the Independent Review of Administrative Law.

Further to our previous reports on the issue, it has now been confirmed that the ADSO (the Association of Democratic Services Officers) and LLG (Lawyers in Local Government), along with Hertfordshire County Council, have now issued a claim in High Court to allow for the continuation of local authority remote meetings beyond the 6th May 2021.

The founder of Punch Taverns and the Greater Manchester Night-Time Economy Adviser commence legal action over different reopening times for non-essential retail and indoor hospitality.

The Statutory Regulations underpinning England’s roadmap out of the current lockdown has been published in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021, coming in force on the 29th March 2021.

The Guidance documents ‘Closing certain businesses and venues in England’ and ‘Reopening businesses and venues in England’ have been updated.

Pubs and restaurants will be able to use their land flexibly, including erecting marquees in pub gardens throughout the summer, as part of the measures announced by Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick on 20 March 2021.

The UK Door Security Association (UKDSA) said a shortage of door staff will cause delays to clubs opening later this year.

Isaac Parsons, 19, was accused of holding a get-together at his Wiltshire home last year, which police said had between 80 and 100 people in attendance.

The Children's Society are working with the Home Office and the Department for Transport to identify exploitation and abuse concerns linked to Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles.

Wisbech mayor has been removed as DPS and the premises licence suspended for three months for not adhereing to social distancing rules.

The Home Office and the Office for Product Safety and Standards have issued a call for proposals from technology providers to run trials of innovative age-assurance solutions regarding the retail sale of alcohol.

£100 million has now been allocated to 266 local authorities across England, to support the recovery of publicly-owned leisure centres and gyms

Guidance has been published by BEIS to support local authorities in administering the Restart Gran announced as part of the Budget on 3 March 2021.

The Home Office and Office for Product Safety and Standards have issued a call for proposals from technology providers to run trials of age assurance solutions for the retail sale of alcohol.  In order to provide additional guidance and support with preparing the proposed trials, the OPSS Expert Panel on Age Restrictions has established some free webinars to support the success of the Sandbox.

The Government are taking "immediate steps" aimed at improving safety for women and girls in England and Wales including plans for undercover police to be sent to clubs, bars and popular nightspots to relay intelligence about predatory or suspicious offenders to uniformed officers.

Updated Government guidance has been published for the visitor economy (15 March 2021).

Stay Local rule to apply from 2 April, with hairdressers, garden centres and non-essential clickand collect services allowed to open from 5 April.

While the majority of the current restrictions will remain in place until after Easter, the Executive agreed to gradual changes which will come into effect before the next formal review date on or before April 15.

The stay-at-home restrictions will be replaced by a new interim stay local rule in Wales from tomorrow (Saturday 13 March) as part of a package of measures, beginning the process of unlocking the strict coronavirus regulations, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.