News

The Gambling Commission has postponed this year’s local authority returns in light of Covid-19.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards has written to local authorities providing updated guidance on the restriction Regulations.

DEFRA has published further Animal Welfare Regulations guidance for local authority inspectors in England.

IoL President James Button has updated his previous article following further changes to the relevant Regulations in England and Wales

Another update to the guidance 'Closing certain businesses and venues', this time to the 'compliance' section, to reflect the updated Regulations now in force in England, Scotland and Wales.

A network of priority courts will remain open during the coronavirus pandemic to make sure the justice system continues to operate effectively, while other 'staffed courts' will support video and telephone hearings.

The College of Policing guide summarises the requirements of the Regulations and the police approach to enforcement as CEO requests that everyone supports the police by staying at home 'at this critical time'.

Following the announcements and subsequent Regulations regarding premises closures, IoL President James Button sets out the position in detail. The orginal article (23 March) has been updated (27 March)  following changes to the Regulations.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 have been published.

The Coronavirus Act 2020 has now become law and is available online. There have also been further updates to the Business and premises guidance published today (26 March)

In these challenging times, we are delighted to bring you the latest Journal of Licensing, now available online for access by all licensing practitioners.

Latest Government guidance indicates that from 30 March 2020, MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans will be extended by 6 months. This is being done to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Philip Kolvin QC, Patron of the Institute of Licensing addresses any lingering doubts as to whether it is lawful for licensing hearings to be conducted remotely.

The Scottish Government has published guidance for businesses in Scotland on social distancing, including the closure of all retailers that sell non-essential goods and other non-essential premises due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Luke Hall MP, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness has written to local authorities on hotel closures clarifying exemptions for keyworkers and homeless. The letter urges anyone who has closed services for homeless people as a result of the measures announced this week, to reopen as soon as possible.

The current COVID-19 pandemic and necessary social restrictions present a fast changing legislative landscape. IoL President James Button, updates his previous article looking at the position of drivers carrying passengers, and also considers vehicle MOT's and licence renewals.

The guidance on business and premises closures has been updated with a more detailed list of closures and exceptions. The guidance states that 'Off-licences and licenced shops selling alcohol, including those within breweries' can remain open.

The Department for Transport has issued a call for evidence asking for information and views on 3 areas of the ‘Future of transport regulatory review’ including taxis and private hire.

The Department for Transport has provided an update on the status of taxi & PH vehicles.

All non-essential retail premises to close as Prime Minister Boris Johnson says: 'I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home'. The restrictions will be in place for at least 3 weeks following the announcement during the PM's live broadcast on the evening of 23rd March. The Guidance to accompany the announcement has also been published. Updated 24th March 2020.

Plans for extended hours in May and August for the VE and VJ celebrations will be shelved in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures.

Local government will be responsible for enforcing regulations requiring those businesses asked to close on 20 March 2020, in new guidance issued today, 22 March 2020.

Statutory limits for lottery proceeds to be raised from 7 April this year.

An additional clause added to Coronavirus Bill will clear any ambiguity and expressly permit virtual licensing hearings as Charles Holland explains.

At 2pm on Saturday 21st March 2020, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Business Closure) (England) Regulations 2020 (attached) came into immediate force. Made under Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. The Government has produced guidance for businesses and other venues subject to the social distancing measures (link provided within full article).

Links to advice provided online by local authorities. We will update the list with further links when provided.

The Government has ordered all UK pubs and restaurants to close "as soon as they reasonably can".

“What licence do you need to deliver alcohol?” may now be of urgent interest to many operators, and Charles Hollands has provided his views on the question.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 [SI 2019/1093] comes into force next month, and Sarah Clover has provided a briefing note to assist Local Authorities.

In an urgent Message issued today, 19 March 2020, the Lord  Chief Justice has issued guidance to all civil courts and tribunals on the administration of justice during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gary Grant, Vice-Chairman of the Institute of Licensing give us his thoughts on licensing hearings during the current COVID-19 crisis.

James Button, Institute of Licensing President looks at the issue of driver safety and refusal to carry passengers during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Institute of Licensing responds to Government recommendations on social distancing.

The Night Time Industries Association, Association of Independent Festivals and industry operators have released a media statement in light of the Government’s social distancing advice.

A Hull based bar has been prosecuted for carrying on licensable activities without a licence after failing to submit TEN and forging a premises licence.

Government urge people not to go to their local bars, pubs and other leisure venues as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The Government has launched a new campaign urging the public to beware of unscrupulous pet sellers. This follows relevations that buying a pet from a low-welfare breeder could cost pet owners an extra £5,000 in vet bills over just 12 months.

Bristol could become the first city in the country to require pubs to sell alcohol-free beer on draught in a drive to improve drinkers’ health.

A local dog boarding kennels in Blymhill near Shifnal has been successfully prosecuted by South Staffordshire Council after it was found to be in breach of the Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 during an inspection.

East Devon District Council has identified a reduction in the number of licensed taxi drivers over the past four years, which can be attributed to a variety of factors.

A man has been banned from selling animals for four years and ordered to pay more than £1,000 for failing to have licence to run a pet shop.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL), the professional body for licensing professionals, has extended Daniel Davies’ term as chairman.

The Government has announced plans to consult on relaxed hours to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

The Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 is set to come into force on 2 March 2020.

DEFRA has reminded licensing authorities to submit taxi and private hire data in accordance with the Air Quality (Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles Database) (England and Wales) Regulations 2019.

Ashford Borough Council successfully prosecute taxi drivers for refusing to take visually impaired passenger and their assistance dog outside railway station.

Councillors at Vale of Horse District Council and South Oxfordshire District Council have unanimously backed a motion calling on the government to introduce new measures designed to improve safety standards for taxis.

The Commission on Alcohol Harm has issued a call for evidence to support an inquiry into the effects of alcohol on society.

The Institute of Licensing has issued its response to the consultation on the regulation of gambling in Northern Ireland.

DEFRA has updated guidance to reflect the changes due to come in to force on 6 April 2020.

DOG breeders in Copeland are being urged to check they have a valid licence.

PASS is leading a consultation with retailers, proof of age providers, enforcement bodies and consumers to find a common solution to acceptance of digital proof of age.

Carling Academy in Dale End, Birmingham was granted a premises licence despite objections from West Midlands Police.

Carling Academy in Dale End, Birmingham was granted a premises licence despite objections from West Midlands Police.

A Wolverhampton City Council licensed driver was successfully prosecuted for unlawfully plying for hire during Cheltenham Festival 2019.

The Home Secretary has confirmed pubs in England and Wales will be able to open for longer to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The Government has been called on to introduce licensing for car washes.

National Pubwatch have announced the release of their latest film

MPs are calling on the government to reduce the tax burden on pubs and breweries in next month's Budget as reported by the BBC.

The Department of Transport has been questioned on the status of the statutory guidance.

Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry takes evidence from the chief executives of the UK's biggest gambling firms.

IoL responds to industry critcism of guidance

A mother and daughter who bred dogs illegally, rearing at least 193 litters, have been ordered to pay back more than £600,000 by Southampton Crown Court.

A joint statement from the IoL, LGA, NALEO, BMRA and VRA

The Gambling Commission has welcomed the launch of a new local public health pathfinder to reduce gambling harms in the North West of England.

Following applications made by the Home Office (Immigration Enforcement), two restaurants in Chippenham and Pewsey have had licenses suspended.

Three drivers have been successfully prosecuted for unlawfully plying for hire during Cheltenham Festival 2019.

Gambling Commission announced the formation of three industry working groups to tackle key challenges as part of a drive to make gambling safer.

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware is launching a refreshed adaptation of its health, safety and wellbeing training, Drinkaware at Work.

On Monday 20th January 2020, Mr. Thomas Conneely of the Dick Whittington was convicted in his absence of three offences of dishonest reception of a television transmission.

The Government has confirmed that it is not planning to publish an alcohol strategy.

Members of Belfast City Council have called on Stormont to ban the sale of puppies and kittens from unregistered breeders.

Alcohol education charity Drinkaware starts 2020 with a third partner committing to its recently-launched Nightlife Crew training.

A taxi driver who flouted the law by driving nearly 200 bookings despite not having a valid licence has been fined £1,582 and banned from driving for 12 months by Chesterfield Magistrates.

The Government has pledged support for ‘Martyn’s law’.

Government statistics shows a drop in the number of FPNs issued for licensing offences.

The fee payable to lodge an appeal under the Licensing Act 2003 has been reduced.

A new commission, Commission for Alcohol Harm, has been setup to examine the current evidence on alcohol harm.

The Institute is asking member’s view on the licensing of 'White Collar Boxing'.

The Local Government Association has issued a warning following council seizures of counterfeit vodka from shops and storage facilities.

Taxi licensing officers at MK Council joined forces with Thames Valley Police on a safety operation in December.

The Institute of Licensing’s work to promote consistency between licensing and planning has been recognised by the Minister of State for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service.

A private hire vehicle proprietor convicted of fraud for faking insurance documents in a bid to save £90,000 - but this left his fleet of around 18 cars uninsured.

The Gambling Commission has launched a consultation on society lottery reform.

Party-goers should avoid using unlicensed cabs and illegal commercial “lifts” offered on social media warns the Local Government Association.

Redbridge Council has become the first local authority in the country to strip a pub of its gaming machine licence after it repeatedly failed to stop children playing on them.

A taxi driver who was caught breaking the law during a Trafford Council licensing enforcement operation has been fined in court.

Licensing authorities would have received an email from DEFRA seeking information on new burden payments in respect of the requirement to upload data to DEFRA.

There is concern that some councils are not using the NR3 database, which is currently the only means of sharing data about revocations and refusals of licences

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have indicated that there was growth in the pub sector for the first time since 2009.

Institute of Licensing’s chairman, Daniel Davies, has won a national award for his work as IoL chair and regeneration of New Brighton.

Court rules that enforcement costs CAN be recovered through licence fees but that there can be no cross-subsidy between licensing regimes or licence types.

LICENSED premises across Cumbria have ‘raised the bar’ at a prestigious awards ceremony.

A hackney carriage driver has had their appeal against the Council's decision to revoke their driver's licence dismissed by Guildford Magistrates' Court.

The ongoing legal battle involving taxi fees in Wakefield has reached the Court of Appeal.

Five drivers have been successfully prosecuted this week, on Monday 25 November 2019, for unlawfully plying for hire in Cheltenham, during Cheltenham Festival 2019.

Drinkaware is relaunching its successful Drinkaware Crew scheme with a new name - Nightlife Crew.

TfL has concluded that it will not grant Uber London Limited (Uber) a new private hire operator's licence in response to its latest application.

Kevin Rumsey from Elham was ordered to pay more than £2,000 in fines.

We were delighted to announce David Lucas as winner of the 2019 Jeremy Allen Award. David was presented his award on the evening of 21st November 2019 during the Institutes’ National Training Conference Gala Dinner.

The Welsh Government will introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol of 50p from 2 March 2020.

The Guardian is reporting that betting firms are recruiting specialist staff to lure high-spending “VIP” customers who lose significant sums of money.

The Upper Tribunal has ruled on the relevance of spent convictions and 'fit and proper person' test.

Edinburgh is set to become the first Scottish council to license sexual entertainment venues (SEV) in Scotland.

A taxi driver was ordered to pay costs of £3848 when his appeal against a decision by Hyndburn Borough Council to revoke his private hire driver's licence was dismissed.

The Local Government Association (LGA) have called on the Government to urgently reform taxi and private hire licensing.

The Gambling Commission has updated its guidance on 'available for use' gaming machines in AGC or bingo premises under the 20% regulations.

A BBC investigation has found that hundreds of London minicab drivers may be working fraudulently after buying qualifications.

The LGA have published a series of case studies looking at how councils are helping to support and transform the lives of people affected by alcohol.

NatWest is to offer counselling sessions for gambling addicts inside branches as part of a pilot scheme that could be rolled out across the country.

A man illegally caught carrying out Private Hire Taxi work without a valid licence in Beaconsfield has been fined after pleading guilty.

The Home Secretary has announced plans to extend pub licensing hours across England and Wales to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

The Gambling Commission has today published the 2019 Young People & Gambling survey.

The first fully electric taxi is set to take to London’s streets in over a 110 years.

Grant Shapps MP, Secretary of State for Transport has told the transport select committee that the Government has no plans to reform taxi and private hire licensing through the introduction of primary legislation.

An online gambling operator will pay £322,000 for money laundering failures.

The Gambling Commission has called for pub industry to take faster action to prevent under 18s accessing gaming machines in pubs.

A court has upheld a decision by Telford & Wrekin Council not to grant a convicted man a licence to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle.

The Gambling Commission has been progressing the delivery of its Research Programme to support the delivery of the National Strategy.

East Northamptonshire Council has welcomed the prosecution of three individuals after they pleaded guilty to selling dogs without a licence in Lilford.

Taxi Licensing Officers from Milton Keynes Council recently joined forces with Thames Valley Police to carry out checks on taxi drivers during an evening of positive enforcement action.

The Welsh Assembly has today (16/10/19) laid the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Minimum Unit Price) (Wales) Regulations 2019.

Northern Ireland’s Department for Communities has launched a consultation on current liquor licensing laws, their impact, if any, and what changes could be considered in the future.

Research published have shown a reduction in off-trade alcohol sales in Scotland since MUP was implemented.

The Government may bring taxi reform legislation forward in Queen’s speech.

A Bacup man has been fined £420 and found guilty of three offences after driving a Hackney Carriage without the proper licences.

North West Leicestershire has its first electric private hire vehicle after CK Cars’ new Tesla was officially licenced by the district council.

The Times have reported that autonomous taxis have driven on London’s roads for the first time.

A report has called for a significant reduction in the amount of alcohol consumed to reduce risk of developing dementia.

A private hire driver has unsuccessfully appealed after a council refused to renew his licence following the receipt of anonymous hearsay evidence.

The High Court has rules that non-party costs orders can be issued under the Licensing Act but rules of natural justice must apply.

A town centre nightclub that was at the centre of violent disorder will stay closed.

A private hire driver has unsuccessfully appealed after a council refused to renew his licence following the receipt of anonymous hearsay evidence.

Brent Council is consulting on proposals to regulate the number of off-licenses in hotspots that suffer from alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

SEVEN licensed premises in Whitehaven have applied for a prestigious national accreditation.

A nightclub in London as lost its licence after serious crime and disorder issues.

This statistical release presents information on taxis and private hire vehicles in England as at 31 March 2019.

The LGA have published a councillor guide to tackling modern slavery.

Uber has been issued a temporary 2 month operating licence extension in London.

Lucy’s Law - aimed at cracking down on so-called puppy farms - will be passed by Scottish Government.

The DCMS has published its response to a consultation that took place towards the end of 2018 and early 2019, regarding the annual publication of entertainment statistics.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has published its 15th report looking at issued related to “Immersive and addictive technologies”.

Ban on new pubs ‘does not help’ tackle alcohol harm Scottish boards tell Holyrood

The Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union, and the Royal Society for Public Health renew calls for a uniform approach to the licensing of tattooists.

A Home Office funded trial will take place in Stratford station, East London, as part of the government’s continued drive to crack down on knife crime.

In the first High Court judgment on third party costs orders in licensing cases, the High Court has overturned a costs decision of a District Judge.

The Social Market Foundation has recommended to support the pub sector and cut problem drinking.

It has been reported that the Gambling Commission is set to online self-exclusion system Gamstop.

The Irish government has notified the European Commission of plans to ban alcohol promotions in the country.

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) are surveying members to gather views about the current regulation of cosmetic treatments and how this could be improved for better public protection.The Institute of Licensing (IoL) and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) are surveying members to gather views about the current regulation of cosmetic treatments and how this could be improved for better public protection.

It has been reported that the work to harmonise taxi and private hire licensing standards in Greater Manchester will be delayed.

Pubs contribute an estimated £40 million to grassroots sport as rich heritage remains strong

A private hire driver recorded illegally picking up passengers was one of three recently convicted in court following a joint sting operation orchestrated by Manchester City Council.

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A private hire driver has been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire.

There will be no national exemption order for the forthcoming rugby world cup in Japan.

The Home Office has launched a consultation on draft guidance relating to the implementation of the Offensive Weapons Act.

Two private hire drivers have been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire.

Carlsberg UK is sponsoring a new prize within the Guild of Beer Writers Annual Awards this year, with the aim of recognising the importance of writing and other communication in driving sustainability in the beer and pubs sector.

St Albans Council has defeated an appeal against the revocation of a hackney carriage driver’s licence for a driver due to stand trial for a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The Gambling Commission issues guidance on the ability of licensing authorities to refund gambling premises annual fees.

Swansea Trading Standards have written to taxi licensing authorities about the ability of Doctors on Wheels Ltd to provide taxi and private hire medicals.

The Emergency Planning College (EPC) has launched its new “Guide to Working in Safety Advisory Groups.”

Pubs across the country from Elgin to Southampton have entered the Charity Pub of the Year Awards, organised by PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG) and sponsored by Matthew Clark.

The LGA has published a resource for councils looking at ways to strengthen and improve the management of the night-time economy.

The LGA has published an updated Councillor Guidance for the Licensing Act 2003.

The Gambling Commission has published a map of actions and implementation plan that are in place to reduce gambling harms in Great Britain.

The driver had previously had his licence revoked but was found attempting to ply for hire.

A cab driver has paid the price for driving off rather than pick up his pre-booked fare - a deaf/blind person and her Assistance Dog.

A number of private hire drivers have been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire (blagging) following a joint enforcement operation conducted by Milton Keynes, South Northants and Aylesbury Vale Councils.

Magistrates heard Colin Owen's licence was revoked by Gwynedd Council following two incidents of violent behaviour.

The licence was granted as an exception to Southwark's Cumulative Impact Policy

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has confirmed that third party sales of puppies and kittens are set to be banned in Wales after a consultation showed overwhelming public support.

The Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport has issued a consultation on the minimum age for playing National Lottery games.

DEFRA has issued guidance to licensing authorities proving advice on compliance with the new taxi air quality reporting regulations.

The Welsh Government has published its report on Improving Public Transport outlining summary of response.

The Crown Court has overturned a decision by Halton Borough Council to refuse 13 hackney carriage (taxi) licences and remitted the matter back to the council with “strong” recommendation to undertake unmet demand survey.

The Welsh Government has announced that plans to modernise taxi licensing laws in Wales will be delayed.

The Portuguese Government has objected to Wales proposal for a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol.

The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 has been published.

The Garden Cinema, a new independent arts cinema and media hub in Seven Dials, Covent Garden London has been granted a premises licence.

On Friday 28 June 2019, Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) successfully prosecuted 3 drivers for illegally plying for hire (blagging) at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court.

A Rossendale taxi driver who failed a basic skills, knowledge and conditions test three times has lost his appeal to keep his licence.

Cheltenham’s night-time economy has won a national award recognising it as one of the best in the country.

An appeal against a decision by Reading Borough Council to revoke and refuse to tranfer a premises licence has been dismissed.

The BBC reports that the UK's biggest gambling firms have agreed to contribute more money to fund treatment for problem gamblers.

Taxi Licensing Officers from Milton Keynes Council recently joined forces with Thames Valley Police to carry out checks on taxi drivers on an evening of positive enforcement action.

House of Lords Select Committee publishes a call for evidence in respect of the gambling industry.

A private hire licence holder has been charged for driving a private hire vehicle without a licence.

A reported licensing case in Ireland has heard that alcohol licensing rules had to be redrawn to cater for the scale of the Center Parcs resort in Co Longford.

The NHS is to open its first gambling clinic for children and young people.

The Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry Committee was appointed on 13 June 2019.

The two new ‘emergency first-aid’ films were produced in Claytons Bar in Marlow focussing on simple and timely action licenses might take to reduce injury and prevent the loss of life.

It has been reported that alcohol sales in Scotland dropped in 2018 to the lowest level in any year since records began in the early 1990s.

A Milton Keynes private hire driver has been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire (blagging).

The House of Lords Select Committee on Regenerating Seaside Towns and Communities has received a response from the Government to its report, The future of seaside towns.

It has been reported that twelve councils look to create a taxi licensing agreement in bid to clamp down on out of area drivers.

A Preston private hire operator that refused to accept a booking from a passenger with a guide dog pleaded guilty at Preston Magistrate’s Court and has been ordered to pay a total of £1,779.04.

A Bristol man who let people believe they were donating money to charity has today been sentenced at Bristol Crown Court to five months imprisonment following a guilty plea.

The driver raised concerns about the welfare of two young girls, leading to four men being arrested

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has become one of the first local authorities in the county to sign up to a new licensing register designed to improve public safety and confidence in taxis.

The Home Office has issued updated guidance on the ban of below cost sales of alcohol.

The High Court, has dismissed a renewed application for a Costs Capping Order ("CCO") and has ordered We Love Hackney Limited to pay security for costs in the sum of £60,000 if it intends to proceed with its claim for judicial review.

A report by the Night Time Industries Association has called on towns and cities to embrace the Political Economy of Informal Events.

East Herts District Council has today granted a premises licence for the Stone Valley South Festival, which is due to open this Friday (24 May 2019).

The Times reported that Tom Watson MP has written to the Gambling Commission “…to question the integrity of many operators.”

Glasgow City Council’s leader has announced the appointment of a night mayor to “co-ordinate the late night licensed trade activity in the city, including pubs and clubs.”

A report by Global Drug has found that whilst fewer people are drinking alcohol overall, those who do appear to be doing it in a potentially harmful way.

Three private hire drivers have been successfully prosecuted at MK Magistrates’ Court for illegally plying for hire (blagging).

Legislation that will to end puppy and kitten farming has been laid before Parliament and will come into force in April 2020.

Ms Margo Welsh applied for a private hire booking licence for Rosy and Pink Cars.

The Mail reported that over-55s are the fastest growing group of online gamblers according to new figures released.

Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland was implanted on 1 May 2018.

The Guardian reports that concerns over air pollution, traffic congestion, targeting of schools and illegal trading have led to a crackdown in parts of the capital.

From 7 May operators will be required to verify a customer’s age before they can deposit money or access free-play games, and verify their name, address and date of birth before they can gamble.

Surveillance Camera Commissioner has published its response to the ‘Taxi and private hire vehicle licensing: protecting users’ consultation by the Department for Transport.

Taxi Licensing Officers from Milton Keynes and South Northants Councils recently joined forces with Thames Valley Police to carry out checks on taxi drivers.

Nearly 1,000 UK pubs shut last year, although the rate of closures is slowing, new research claims.

The Air Quality (Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles Database) (England and Wales) Regulations 2019 have been debated in Parliament and will come into force on 1 May 2019.

Glasgow City Council has become the first council to place a cap on private hire car licences.

The toolkit, published in April 2019, is primarily aimed at frontline staff, including law enforcement, social care, education, housing and the voluntary sector, working to safeguard children and young people under the age of 18 from sexual and criminal exploitation.

The toolkit, published in April 2019, is primarily aimed at frontline staff, including law enforcement, social care, education, housing and the voluntary sector, working to safeguard children and young people under the age of 18 from sexual and criminal exploitation.

The IoL has responded to the consultation and highlights the need to address concerns about information sharing under the common law police disclosure arrangements.

A local chicken shop owner has been fined and ordered to pay costs to Guildford Borough Council, after pleading guilty to trading outside his licensed hours.

In dismissing the operators’ appeal on 12 April 2019, District Judge Susan Holdham, sitting at Camberwell Magistrates Court, agreed with the Council’s argument that it was perfectly proper to take into account evidence of cumulative impact as well as the Southwark’s Framework Hours policy.

The transcript of the case of Rehman v Wakefield Council is now available.

DEFRA has issued the an advice note to clarify some issues that the team has been receiving feedback on, both from local authorities and other stakeholders.

IoL President, James Button, has commented on a recent national press article suggesting an increase in the number of sexual attacks by taxi drivers.

Reading Borough Council's Licence revocation decision upheld by District Judge District Judge Toms, sitting at Reading Magistrates Court, has upheld the decision taken by Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Sub Committee to revoke the premises licence for Todays Local, 441 Basingstoke Road, Reading.

The driver has been prosecuted for using stickers to trick potential customers into thinking he was a licensed taxi.

On Monday (01/04/19), the reduction of the maximum stakes on fixed odd betting terminals (FOBT) came into effect.

House of Lords Select Committee report has been published following the review of the regeneration of seaside towns and communities

Ronnie Cowan MP lead a debate in the Westminster Hall on gambling-related harm.

The House of Common’s Transport Select Committee has held a one-off evidence session with the Chair of the Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing (TFG).

The Home Office has confirmed there will be no requirement on licensing authorities to complete the annual alcohol licensing statistical return.

A private hire driver has lost their appeal against Guildford Borough Council’s decision to revoke their private hire driver’s licence.

“We Love Hackney”, a non – profit organisation, has been granted permission by the High Court to pursue a Judicial Review of Hackney council’s licensing policy.

The London Assembly has concluded that TfL needs to bring in higher standards in the capital’s taxi and private hire industry.

A taxi driver who refused to take a passenger with a guide dog in Abingdon has been ordered to pay nearly £600 after he was successfully prosecuted by Vale of White Horse District Council.

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee has published its 9th report of session 2017–19 focussing on live music in the UK.

Survey responses will be used to inform the IoL response to the DfT

The Team Margot Foundation, set up by industry entrepreneur Yaser Martini, is launching "Pinkspiration", an initiative to get hospitality operators to drive blood stem cell donor registrations.

MPs have written to the Leader of the House of Commons asking for “urgent action on taxi and private hire legislation.”

ID and age verification rules for all UK online gambling operators is set to change from May 2019 to ensure gambling is ‘fairer and safer’ for UK consumers.

The number of licensed taxis in Northern Ireland has reached its lowest number for 10 years.

The LGA has launched a national register of taxi and PHV licence refusals and revocations – or NR3.

The Institute has made a formal response to the Home Office consultation in relation to the Coalition proposals to 'rebalance the licensing regime'.

On Monday 20th January 2020, Mr. Thomas Conneely of the Dick Whittington was convicted in his absence of three offences of dishonest reception of a television transmission.

The BBC is reportinThe BBC is reporting that the head of mental health services in England has written to five major gambling companies, demanding urgent action on tackling gambling addiction and its impact on people's health. g that the head of mental health services in England has written to five major gambling companies, demanding urgent action on tackling gambling addiction and its impact on people's health.

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the trade association for the UK gambling industry, has launched a new multimedia campaign to promote safer gambling over the festive period.

The licensing team at Cheltenham Borough Council has been awarded the iESE’s Certificate of Excellence for its service transformation work.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and UKHospitality (UKH) have joined forces to unveil guidance for tackling under-age gambling in pubs.

Defra have recently issued a Notice to Zoo Inspectors, Zoo Operators and Local Authorities. The Notice outlines procedures for where non-compliance is identified at a zoo.