Developing Legislation

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 impacts licensing authorities, the night-time economy and firearms regulation.

Provisions in Force (from 29 June 2026)

Sound Moderators and Firearms Licensing (Section 44): Removed sound moderators and flash suppressors from individual licensing on firearms certificates, replacing it with a requirement that the possessor holds a valid firearms or shotgun certificate.

Anti-Social Behaviour & Closure Orders (Sections 3(5)-(6) and Section 8): Expanded powers for closure orders and immediate seizure of motor vehicles causing alarm or distress without prior warnings. Check the GOV.UK ASB Factsheet for details on civil orders and enforcement.
Spiking and Standalone Offences (Part 5): Created a modern standalone criminal offence for administering harmful substances (drink and needle spiking) affecting licensed premises and door security teams. Consult the Institute of Licensing Network News for sector briefings on venue conditions.

Provisions Not Yet in Force or Awaiting Secondary Legislation / Consultation

DVLA Licensing Data Integration (Section 181): Provisions to regularize and expand access to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency records for specific policing and law enforcement purposes require secondary legislation to become fully operational. Review the GOV.UK Police Powers Factsheet for upcoming data-sharing regulations.

Extended Closure Order Durations: While initial closure provisions commenced, specific changes to maximum durations and renewal periods under magistrates’ court rules have been subject to ongoing government consultation managed via the Institute of Licensing Consultation Portal.

Crime and Policing Act 2026