News

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.’

The Gambling Commission has published a revised version of the Guidance to licensing authorities including track changes.

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.

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.

BBC reports that two of the biggest names in hospitality have threatened to take the government to court over its plans to release England from lockdown.

Reclaim These Streets have published their lawyers' advice on the implications of the judgement handed down yesterday by Mr Justice Holgate.

Carly Heath has been named as Bristol’s new Night-Time Economy Advisor, to lead the city’s entertainment and hospitality sector’s recovery from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oxford City Council has made the decision to remove its existing policy whilst Cambridge City Council has made changes to its Cumulative Impact Policy which extend impact areas across the city.

This week the Government has announced mandatory taxi check for certain licence types from April 2022.

Police accuse Wisbech mayor and pub landlord of 'insulting disregard' to licensing objectives.

Three unlicensed traders in Milton Keynes have been ordered to pay almost £5,000 in fines following a successful investigation by Licensing Officers at MK Council.

An overview of the latest guidance and updates on gov.uk.

The BBC have reported that twenty-six people at an illegal poker party have each been fined £800 for breaching Covid restrictions.

More people will be able to socialise outdoors following good progress in suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), the First Minister has announced.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/791) to make provision in relation to the wearing of face coverings in polling stations. These Regulations also amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1374) to permit outdoor recreation, gatherings related to electoral activities, to introduce a requirement to declare the reason for leaving or being outside the place where a person is living, when that person is travelling outside the United Kingdom, and to make other minor amendments.

Robert Jenrick MP has written to all council leaders telling them "to do everything possible to help these businesses reopen safely and prosper again."

All businesses in England are now able to sign up to the government’s free COVID-19 workplace testing programme.

Three individuals have been banned from keeping dogs and received suspended custodial sentences after a successful prosecution brought by Forest of Dean District Council.

BACTA has instructed global legal firm DWF Law to challenge the thinking behind the delayed reopening of AGCs after all other non-essential retail businesses.

Northern Ireland’s Executive has set out the country’s plan for easing the coronavirus lockdown.

The Home Office has confirmed that the next licensing statistical collection has been cancelled.

The Welsh Government has announced a further £30 million for hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses affected by ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled the contents of his Budget in the House of Commons. Setting out the government's tax and spending plans for the year ahead, he announced new measures to help business and jobs through the pandemic and to support the UK's long-term economic recovery and a series of tax-raising plans to help rebalance the public finances.

In response to the continued Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the Department for Transport has developed ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): safety screens for taxis and PHVs Guidance’ for the safe and appropriate fitting of separating screens between the front and rear of a taxi or private hire vehicle.

On 1 March, the law around where people can smoke in Wales changed. Hospital grounds, school grounds, public playgrounds, and outdoor care settings for children are now be required to be smoke-free. It is an offence to smoke in a smoke-free area and anyone caught breaking the law could face a £100 fine.

The Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS) Act received Royal Assent on Monday 1st March 2021.

The Institute of Licensing is pleased to announce the appointment of John Garforth, JP as vice-chair.

The government has published its draft rules of the road for governing the future use of digital identities.

The government is consulting on proposals for a new Protect Duty; a legal requirement for public places to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks.

The High Court has granted permission for an application for a judicial review brought by two street traders against Birmingham City Council’s new street trading policy.

The reopening of Scotland's economy, including shops, bars, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers, is planned to start from 26 April according to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Administrative Court sitting at Cardiff today issued an important judgment on the right to silence, the legal duties of citizens and the scope of the Coronavirus Regulations.

Westminster City Council’s al fresco scheme will be returning when restaurants, pubs and bars are expected to re-open to outdoor diners on 12 April and will remain throughout the summer months.

A Keynsham taxi driver who made inappropriate contact with women and used “abhorrent” racist language has lost his livelihood after 30 years in the profession.

This guidance, published 24 February 2021, details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England.

The Prime Minister has announced the road map out of England's current lock down. The new four-step plan to ease lock down could see all legal limits on social contact lifted by 21 June.

The inquiry by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night Time Economy has published its report to be presented to the Government.

Lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland will be extended until 1 April.

The Supreme Court unanimously dismisses Uber’s appeal concerning the employment status of private hire vehicle drivers who provide their services through the Uber smartphone application.

Stay-at-home restrictions will continue in Wales as the youngest pupils begin returning to school from Monday 22 February, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed

A study to provide a better understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated physical distancing measures, on alcohol consumption in Scotland during the first few months of the pandemic.

BBC reports that “Boris Johnson has suggested” quick coronavirus testing could enable nightclubs and theatres to reopen.

We recently reported that “DSO and LLG to seek court declaration on ability to hold remote meetings” but it has now been reported that the Government is looking to change law to make hybrid council meetings permanent.

Downing Street is reportedly resisting pressure from Conservative MPs to set out a swift timetable to end the lockdown in England.

Hotel quarantine regulations coming into force 4am on Monday 15 February 2021.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has written to council chief executives to “coordinate central government’s asks of local authority regulatory services.”

A man from Oxford has been ordered to pay more than £1,800 after being found guilty of failing to disclose a series of previous driving convictions when applying for a taxi driver’s licence.

The Independent reports almost a third of prosecutions under Coronavirus legislation have been brought incorrectly, leading to hundreds of cases being dropped, analysis by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) found.

A pub that opened when it was supposed to be shut, broke social distancing and other rules has had its premises licence revoked.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have published it's summary decision in relation to Casa Cruz - the restaurant which hosted which hosted a birthday party for Rita Ora during the second national lockdown.

We previously reported on a story that local councillors could be disenfranchised unless the Government extends legislation to allow the provision of remote meetings beyond May.In a development, it has now been reported that lawyers and democratic services officers are to seek court declaration on ability to hold remote meetings after 6 May 2021 after obtaining counsel advice.

Sarah Clover explains the background and result on this case, where she represented Preston City Council against the gym owner who claimed that as a “Free man of England” he was only bound by Common Law, and that the Coronavirus Regulations were not the law.     The gym had opened persistently in contravention of Coronavirus Regulations and the lockdown restrictions.

Defra have published an update to section 16 of the Local Authority Procedural Guidance in relation to Suitably qualified Inspectors.

Changes to the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act will introduce ‘Lucy’s Law in Scotland to end the third party selling of dogs and cats under the age of six months.

The SIA have announced changes to the training requirements for front line SIA licences. These new requirements will start in April and October 2021.

Liverpool City Council has made the decision to remove their existing Cumulative Impact Policy as part of their recent Licensing Policy Review.

London venue paid to break lockdown rules for celebrity birthday party has licence suspended for 6 weeks.

Edition 9 of the IoL's LINK magazine has been published and is available online.

This case is thought to be the first prison term for Covid breaches - albeit through the civil not criminal courts. This case concerns sentencing in County Court for breach of a civil injunction imposed on a residential tenant for repeated breaches of Covid rules on illegal gathering rules in his home.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched a consultation on the funding of the Gambling Commission. The consultation, which is based on recommendations from the Gambling Commission to Government, seeks views on proposals for changes to Gambling Commission fees. It proposes an uplift to enable the Commission to continue to recover its costs and respond to new challenges.

The owner of a restaurant, popular with celebrity TV stars and Premier League footballers, has been stripped of its licence by Redbridge Council for not complying with licensing conditions.

The Prime Minister has indicated that England might not revert back to regional tiers after the current national lockdown is over.

Deaths caused by alcohol hit a new high during the first nine months of 2020 according to the ONS data.

The total number of fines issued for breaking coronavirus rules has risen by a third in the latest figures.

Guidance issued by the Chief Magistrate on use of remote hearings in Magistrates’ Court. First part deals with criminal cases, second part deals with civil matters such as licensing appeals.

London venue Casa Cruz, in Notting Hil, was paid £5,000 to breach lockdown opening restrictions to host a party for Rita Ora.

Southampton City Council have revoked a premises licence following breaches to the COVID-19 restrictions on premises opening.  The premises were found to have customers drinking at the bar on 27 November in breach of the then Tier 2 restrictions which applied in Southampton.

Fines of £800 for anyone attending a house party of more than 15 people will be introduced in England from next week Home Secretary Priti Patel said.

The Local Government Chronical (LGC) reports that unless the Government extends legislation to allow the provision of remote meetings beyond May, local councillors could be disenfranchised.

Britain lost around 6,000 licensed premises last year, the latest Market Recovery Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners reveals—nearly triple the number in 2019.

Chair of the Petitions Committee, Catherine McKinnell MP, has written to the Prime Minister urging him to engage with the hospitality sector after raising the issue at the latest session of the Liaison Committee.

The Cabinet Office has provided an important update on the future of GOV.UK Licensing.

The article authored by Gary Grant, Barrister at Francis Taylor Building

These Regulations make minor amendments to, and correct errors in, the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020.

Poppleston Allen reported that Trafford and Hereford Councils have removed their Cumulative Impact Policy Zones (CIZ) in response to the effect Covid has had on the licensed trade.

The British Beer and Pub Association said nearly three-quarters of pubs eligible for a £1,000 grant to help them survive through Christmas have yet to receive the money from their local council.

The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgement in the appeal by Dolan and others v Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The High Court has today handed down two judgments in R (UTAG & LTDA) v Transport for London & Mayor of London [2021] EWHC 72 (Admin) and R (UTAG & LTDA) v Transport for London & Mayor of London [2021] EWHC 73 (Admin), allowing the two conjoined claims for judicial review brought by two trade bodies representing the 'Black Cab' industry (the United Trade Action Group and the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association) to challenge the Mayor of London's Streetspace Plan and Guidance, and a Traffic Management Order prohibiting the use of motorised vehicles, including Hackney Carriages, on Bishopsgate in the City of London.

It has been reported that all supermarkets will face inspections in the next two weeks to make sure they are Covid-secure. Ministers have reportedly told councils to check supermarkets have effective safety measures in place.

A new fund to support taxi and private hire drivers affected by the pandemic will launch this week in Scotland.

The Supreme Court has today (15 January) ruled that the ‘vast majority’ of business interruption insurance policyholders will have cover for losses incurred due to national Covid-19 measures.

The Scottish Government has published updated Coronavirus guidance to reflect the recent changes to lockdown measures in the country.

Jeff Smith MP,  Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Night Time Economy has written to local authorities requesting written evidence submissions to assist the APPG’s inquiry.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today received support from the Northern Ireland Executive for her plans to provide a further financial assistance scheme for taxi drivers.

Scotland has introduced further measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit non-essential contact to be introduced this weekend.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night-Time Economy, formed in December, has, launched an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on British nightlife and is calling on the industry to submit evidence.

The Culture Secretary has launched a wide ranging review of the current gambling legislation to consider online stake and spend limits, advertising and marketing rules and the powers of the Gambling Commission. The IoL is surveying members to inform its response to the Call for Evidence.

Although officers will still apply the 4 E’s approach of engaging, explaining, and encouraging – only then enforcing, the Met has issued refreshed instructions to officers to issue fines more quickly to anyone committing obvious, wilful and serious breaches.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 3) and (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 were made at 4.30 p.m. on 5th January 2021, laid before Parliament at 5.30 p.m. and came into force today (6th January 2021). The amendments bring all areas of England into Tier 4 and make amendments to the Tier 4 restrictions to achieve a national lockdown.

The brief covers the latest lockdown (stay at home) amendments. It indicates a firmer approach stating that while officers should continue to engage members of the public and explain changes while offering encouragement to comply if necessary, enforcement can follow without repeated attempts to encourage compliance if the individual or group do not respond appropriately.

Gary Grant analyses the new regulations behind the government's latest national lockdown.

The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett of Maldon has published a message confirming the importance of a continuation of the courts and tribunals despite the latest lockdown restrictions. The message emphasises that ' Facilitating remote attendance of all or some of those involved in hearings is the default position in all jurisdictions, whether backed by regulations or not.'

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed a package of additional restrictions given the high levels of Covid-19 transmission in the community.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a one-off grant worth up to £9,000 for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Mainland Scotland is to go into lockdown from midnight tonight (4 January 2021) with a new legal requirement forbidding anyone from leaving their home except for essential purposes.

The Economic Affairs Committee has published its report on Finance Bill including its findings on proposals for tax checks for licence renewal applications.

From 00:01 on Wednesday, England will move to the highest tier restrictions, tier 5. In lieu of the Regulations expected tomorrow, we look at the guidance published in advance of the national lockdown coming into force. The official guidance published sets out the implications for the hospitality sector and other businesses.

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock MP, has announced further changes to local Covid restrictions in England.

Funding from the Future High Streets Fund to help 72 areas in England to recover from the pandemic and deliver ambitious regeneration plans.

A suite of new additional local authority COVID related enforcement powers came into force on 2 December 2020 on the making of the snappily titled The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced new tiers for England, coming into force of Boxing Day. The next formal announcement was not due until later in the month.

The All Tiers Regulations (England) and guidance provide the new rules in place from 2 December. This note addresses 2 key concerns that have been identified.

The LGA calls for  the Government to meet, in full, all the extra costs councils incur as a result of leading communities through the pandemic and income losses they suffer as a result.

This Library paper looks at licensing and planning issues relating to betting shops in Great Britain, setting out discussions about the restrictions on local authorities ability to refuse applications and the planning controls through ‘use classes’ which were amended in April 2015, placing betting shops in the “sui generis” category, so any change of use to a betting shop requires an application to the local planning authority for planning permission.

Tourism and hospitality businesses across Scotland are to benefit from a £104.3 million package of support in the New Year.

Northern Ireland has followed England, Scotland and Wales in reviewing and restricting the previously relaxed restrictions over the Christmas period.

Support for independent cinemas this Christmas reaches £16 million, as Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announces grant awards for 201 cinemas across England from Penrith to Penzance

Gary Grant, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Licensing has authored this article following the annoucements by the Prime Minister this weekend and the subsequent publication of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers and Obligations of Undertakings) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (“the Tier 4 Regulations”) this morning.

Following the announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday 19th December, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers and Obligations of Undertakings) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 have now been published, bringing in the new Tier 4 restrictions.  The Regulations came into force at 7:00am this morning (20th December).

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 come into force on 21 December 2020 (other than Part 6 which comes into force on 23 December 2020) and expire at the end of the day on 31 March 2021.

The Prime Minister has announced tougher restrictions for parts of England with a new Tier 4: ‘Stay at Home’ alert level.

Restrictions in Scotland have been tightened due to spread of new variant of COVID-19.

The Cabinet Office has responded to a request for an official update on plans to retire the gov.uk licensing forms.

HRMC are now in the development phase of the online tax registration check and they are seeking information from licensing authorities to help with the development of the tool.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced further tier changes in England s to come into effect at 00:01 on Saturday 19 December 2020. The Regulations are due to the laid on Friday 18 December 2020.

The government COVID-19 guidance on the relaxed restrictions for Christmas has been revised to reflect the message that while the relaxed restrictions set the limit on what can be done, everyone should carefully consider their own arrangements with a view to staying as safe as possible.

The furlough scheme has been extended until the end of April 2021 with the government continuing to contribute 80% towards wages – giving businesses and employees across the UK certainty into the New Year, the Chancellor announced today.

The Department for Transport have published the official statistics on taxi and private hire vehicles (PHV) in England. The statistics include information on taxis and private hire vehicles in England as at 31 March 2020, so do not show the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

First Minister Mark Drakeford  has confirmed that higher-level restrictions will come into force to control rapidly accelerating coronavirus rates across Wales.

According to the BBC, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is also looking at restrictions on breeding primates. Under the plans, those who keep them without a zoo licence would need to obtain a new specialist private primate keeper licence to ensure they are meeting zoo-level welfare standards.

On 2 December a revised tiering system was introduced by the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (“the All Tiers Regulations”). The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 have now been published, amending the areas in Tiers 2 and 3.

Three Scottish local authorities are to move up to Level 3 of the COVID-19 protection scale following rises in the prevalence of the virus in the past week.  East Lothian, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire will all move this Friday 18 December at 6pm following significant increases in their infection rates. There will be a further review of the protection levels next week (Tuesday, 22 December) in order to allow for any action to be taken in light of further changes in infection data.

The Wales Government has published an update to its Coronavirus Control Plan, which builds on the traffic-light framework of restrictions originally put in place in May.

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court has today, 10 December 2020, dismissed appeals against interim steps taken by Birmingham City Council on summary reviews of two premises licences that arose out of trading in breach of restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector as part of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Government response to the House of Lords Gambling Industry Committee was presented to Parliament by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Heritage and Tourism by Command of Her Majesty Laid in Parliament on 8 December 2020.

The Culture Secretary has launched a wide ranging review of the current gambling legislation to consider online stake and spend limits, advertising and marketing rules and the powers of the Gambling Commission.

The next NEXSTART advice note and Q&As dealing with current issues such as all things food and treatment of outside enclosures.

Summary guidance setting out additional powers for local authorities to enforce COVID-secure regulations has been published (4 December).

In this case, the claimant contends that the Secretary of State had no power to impose the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) (England) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020 No 1045) (“the Regulations”) which required any person notified of a positive test for coronavirus and close contacts of such persons to “self-isolate”.

LGA advice note provides guidance on the All Tiers Regulations 2020 and in particular the Tier 2 ‘High Alert’ restrictions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wrecked confidence across hospitality, with fewer than one in five (18%) leaders now optimistic about the market’s prospects for the next 12 months, the new Business Confidence Survey from CGA and Fourth reveals.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions and Functions of Local Authorities) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2020 have been published, requiring bars, cafes, canteens, restaurants and pubs to be closed between 6.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. (with exceptions), prevent alcohol consumption in those premises, and requiring indoor premises of entertainment venues and visitor attractions to close. The Regulations will be laid before Senedd Cymru today (3 December 2020), and will come into force at 6.00 p.m. on 4 December 2020

These Regulations make provision for a local authority to give directions relating to premises, events and public outdoor places in its area. A direction may only be given if the local authority considers that the public health, necessity and proportionality conditions set out in regulation 2 are met.

Consolidated version of the amendments to the Obligation of Undertakings Regulations.

Mr Dolan sought judicial review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations (SI 2020/350) which gave effect to the “lockdown” in March 2020. Today (01.12.20), the Court of Appeal handed down its judgement dismissing Mr Dolan’s appeal and refusing permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeal held that the Secretary of State did have the power (or “vires”) to make the Regulations, and that his other arguments (including under the ECHR) were academic and were in any event unarguable.

The gov.uk website states that from 2 December, everybody must follow this guidance for the tier in your area.

These Regulations enable local authority designated officers to issue notices to people who are contravening or have contravened various statutory provisions in place to minimise exposure to Coronavirus.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 has been published. These regulations are due to be voted on by Parliament tomorrow and, if passed, will come into force on 2 December 2020.

A set of new targeted restrictions in the hospitality and leisure sectors, together with a £340m support package, has been announced by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The guidance published today (30 November) sets out what you can and cannot do in each tier.

An announcement from the DfT’s External Affairs team.

Published on gov.uk, this is a brief overview of the types of evidence said to support the view that hospitality venues are a significant risk for transmission.

Findings published by CGA and AlixPartners indicate that more than 50,000 of England’s licensed premises will be unable to trade under the government’s tough new tiered restrictions next week.

A new report from the Hospitality and Tourism APPG has highlighted the acute impact of the COVID-19 crisis on businesses in the UK’s coastal and lakeside communities.

The Government has published the new Covid Tiers for England to come into effect at 00:01 on 2 December 2020.

The UK Government and the Devolved Administrations have agreed on joint arrangements for an easing of social restrictions that will allow family and friends to reunite over the Christmas period. A joint statement has been published following the announcements.

The Government has published its COVID-19 Winter Plan including details of England’s lockdown exit strategy and details of the revised tiers for England from 3 December.

Boris Johnson is expected to announce a strengthened the three-tiered system from 2 December, while special Christmas restrictions are likely to be harmonised across the UK.

The Institute of Licensing has submitted its written response to the Draft Finance Bill 2020-21 inquiry.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick has written to local authorities confirming new enforcement powers for officers from 2 December.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions)(England) (No. 4) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 have been published and come into force on 21 November 2020, allowing shops, stalls, Christmas tree farms and other businesses selling or supplying natural Christmas trees to open.

The government has issued comprehensive guidance for taxi and PHV sector on actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus.

From 28 November 2020, the filtering rules for Standard and Enhanced DBS checks are changing. These changes are the result of a Supreme Court Judgment which identified that some elements of the existing filtering rules were disproportionate. Legislation has been changed, and from 28 November, DBS certificates will disclose criminal records according to this new legislation.

The Executive has agreed to introduce a two week circuit breaker from November 27 until December 11 to slow the spread of Coronavirus in the community and protect the health service. Businesses are able to open on 20th November, but have been told that although they can still do so, they will have to close again next Friday.

It has been reported that the Government is considering a ban on the sale of alcohol at night as part of a revamped tier system after the current lockdown in England.

Police forces were told to stop issuing £10k fines for gatherings but updated advice from the NPCC has now seen fines reintroduced.

From 6pm on 20 November, in 11 Scottish council areas will move to Level 4 for 3 weeks it has been announced.

Businesses will benefit from 2 grant schemes: one for businesses that have had to close, and another scheme for further business support as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Northern Ireland Executive agree gradual relaxation, starting on 20 November with unlicensed premises (cafes and coffee shops) allowed restricted opening times while pubs and bars will be able to make off-sales in sealed containers.

The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LSRG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions.  This guidance, published on 12 November is aimed at nightclubs, dance halls and adult entertainment businesses.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes will get automatic freedoms to provide takeaway services for another year.

The furlough scheme will be extended across the UK until the end of March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed.

The Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is reportedly drawing up plans to extend the automatic entitlement for takeaways and off sales for alcohol until March 2022.

As Wales comes out of its two week “firebreak”, Matthew Phipps, Head of Licensing England and Wales, at TLT LLP, looks at the guidance issued that seeks to offer advice on how licensed premises and hospitality more generally, may successfully and compliantly welcome customers back into your premises.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 have been published and will come into force on 5th November 2020.

Following publication of the new national lockdown regulations for England, Gary Grant and Charles Holland provide this authored article setting out explaining the new rules.

The LGA says lessons must be learnt from the past seven months, particularly around the importance of tapping into and using local expertise. It is calling on the Government to work jointly with councils to co-develop a clear strategy for after the national restrictions are set to end on December 2, with clear criteria about which restrictions or Tier Alert Levels will apply.

The DfT has written to licensing authorities urging them to sign up to the national taxi refusals register NR3 saying “Authorities that are not sharing relevant and necessary information risk facilitating the few dishonest individuals in the sector that fail to disclose any previous licensing history they might have.”

The DfT has issued further advice and guidance in light of the fact that compliance is not as high in taxis and PHVs as it is across the rest of the network.

A new and simpler set of national rules will apply once the Wales-wide firebreak lockdown comes to an end at 00:01 on Monday November 9.

England's month-long lockdown has been described as a "nightmare before Christmas", with pubs and suppliers to the sector in need of support in addition to furlough.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that from Thursday 5 November 2020, everyone in England must stay at home, with a limited set of exemptions. The lockdown means pubs, bars, restaurants must close, except for takeaway and delivery services., but the buidance is clear that alcohol is excluded from takeaway services.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High)(England) (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 which cover the latest restrictions in Nottinghamshire have been published and come into force today.

The High Court has refused permission for G-A-Y’s judicial review proceedings, challenging the Government’s 10pm curfew.

Calderdale, City of Bradford, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Monday 2 November.

Carlisle will move from local COVID alert level medium to local COVID alert level high from 00.01 Saturday 31 October.

The whole of Nottinghamshire will move from local COVID alert level 'high' to 'very high' from 00.01 on Friday 30 October.

Areas within Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, East Midlands, East (Home counties) and South East will move from local COVID alert level 'medium' to local COVID alert level 'high' from 00.01 Saturday 31 October.

The Scottish Government has announced one-off grants of up to £50,000 available to businesses in both sectors through the COVID-19 Contingency Fund.

Local Government Lawyer reports the Night-Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, Sacha Lord, has threatened a judicial review challenge into the legality of implementing emergency restrictions on the area's hospitality sector, "without scientific evidence".

The Covid secure guidance for businesses has been updated on 23 October for hotels and other guest accommodation.

It has been reported that gamers as young as 16 are being treated for online betting addiction at the first NHS child gambling clinic after losing up to £100,000.

The new model is due to be confirmed today and is expected to come into force from 2 November, when temporary curbs on the hospitality trade are due to expire.

The Crown Court at St Albans has dismissed the second appeal brought by a private hire driver following allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards girls.

A Birmingham nightclub has had its licence suspended following a number of Covid-19 legislation breaches at the venue.

A Birmingham bar and restaurant has had its licence suspended following a number of Covid-19 legislation breaches at the venue.

An unlicensed private hire driver has been prosecuted by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) for driving illegally for Ashby-de-la-Zouch taxi firm, A1 Taxis.

Warrington will move from local COVID alert level 'high' to 'very high' from 00.01 on Tuesday 27 October. This means all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals, any alcohol must only be served alongside such a meal. In addition, closures will include betting shops, adult gaming centres, casinos and soft play centres and areas.

Greater Manchester will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Friday 23 October. The The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium, High and Very High) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 Regulations have been published and will take effect across all parts of Greater Manchester.

A Glasgow restaurateur has said she is “delighted” after being told she can continue to operate after convincing a court that her business has been operating as a cafe since full lockdown ended. Stephen J. McGowan, Partner and Head of Licencing for Scotland for TLT LLP & IoL Scotland Regional Chair acted for Ms Eusebi.

These Regulations subject a number of areas to the restrictions set out in the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Very High) (England) Regulations 2020 and make corresponding amendments to remove those areas from the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (High) (England) Regulations 2020.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”). Regulation 2 amends the principal regulations to provide that they no longer expire at 6 a.m. on 26 October 2020 and instead expire at 6 a.m. on 2 November 2020.

Lancashire has moved from local COVID alert level high to very high on Saturday 17 October.

Coventry, Slough and Stoke-on-Trent will move to local COVID alert level high from Saturday 24 October.  In the meantime, other areas look set to move to 'very high', including Nottingham City and parts of Nottinghamshire, West Yorkshire, North East areas and Tees Valley, as discussions continue.

Five of Scotland’s Hospitality Industry bodies have taken the unprecedented step of commencing the legal process against restrictions imposed on the licensed trade by the Scottish Government.

South Yorkshire will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Saturday 24 October.

Following the announcments of a 'fire-break' for Wales, The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 3) (Wales) Regulations 2020 have now been published.

Greater Manchester has launched two major public consultations to get a wide range of views on the city-region’s plans to reduce harmful air pollution on local roads and to introduce minimum standards for all taxis and private hire services licensed in the region.

Greater Manchester will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Friday 23 October.

DEFRA has confirmed that the decision to extend home boarder licences is a local decision of licensing authorities.

A short, sharp “firebreak” will be introduced across Wales at the end of this week to help regain control of coronavirus, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

Gary Grant and Charles Holland summarise the new system brought in through the 3-Tier Covid Regulations and focus on its impact on licensed premises.

These regulations amend The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Local COVID-19 Alert Level) (Medium) (England) Regulations 2020 to move towards a model of implementing baseline measures for the Local Covid Alert Level Very High areas, but allow flexibility for Local Authorities to request additional business closures based on their understanding of the local area.

This document has been developed by one of the NEXSTART Working Groups setting out a set of Q&As, together with some further useful links to Guidance, Regulations and the UK Hospitality FAQs focussing on the Coronavirus Regulations and Compliance.

As cases of Coronavirus continue to increase across the capital, the Met will be stepping up its response to target those who continue to flout the regulations, which are designed to keep Londoners safe.

Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs has issued a written statement on third party sales of puppies and kittens in Wales. Mr Griffiths confirmed in the written statement that Wales will ban commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens.

As cases of Coronavirus continue to increase across the capital, the Met will be stepping up its response to target those who continue to flout the regulations, which are designed to keep Londoners safe.

London, Elmbridge, Essex, Barrow-in-Furness, York, North East Derbyshire, Erewash and Chesterfield will move to up from to local COVID alert level: high from Saturday.

The Scottish Government have published a reviews of various sets of restrictions that have been introduced at different stages.

The Welsh Government is preparing urgent action to prevent people who live in areas with high coronavirus infection rates across the UK from travelling to Wales, First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed, amid speculation that a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown will also follow.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed a range of significant time-bound interventions to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.

From 14 October, Liverpool City Region will be placed onto the ‘Very High’ Local Covid Alert Level.

The Prime Minister has set out a new three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England, intended to standardise and simplify local rules

These Regulations impose restrictions on gatherings and businesses in the areas specified in Schedule 2, where the COVID-19 alert level is assessed as being very high, and on gatherings elsewhere by persons living in the specified areas.

These Regulations impose restrictions on gatherings and businesses in the areas specified in Schedule 2, where the local COVID-19 alert level is assessed as being high, and on gatherings elsewhere by persons living in the specified areas.

These Regulations impose restrictions on gatherings and businesses in England, other than in the areas specified in Schedule 2, where the local COVID-19 alert level is assessed as being medium.

New Government guidance for areas subject to local restrictions on what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected areas.

A taxi driver who drove away from a pre-booked customer and their guide dog has been fined more than £1,100 under the Equality Act 2010 following an investigation by Milton Keynes Council.

All pubs and restaurants across central Scotland are to be closed under new measures aimed at tackling a surge in coronavirus cases. The new rules will be in force from 18:00 on Friday until 25 October.

Transport for London has refused Ola’s operating licence after public safety concerns over ‘unlicensed’ drivers.

A judicial review of the Government’s Covid restrictions on the hospitality sector has been launched.

LICENSED premises that were forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions are receiving a discount on their fees from Copeland Council.

The Gambling Commission has announced strict new guidance for operators in order to clean up the malpractice of so-called VIP schemes – stating that if the guidance is followed there should be no irresponsible incentivisation of high value customers in the future.

The Government has now published its COVID-19 local authority compliance and enforcement grant information and guidance on the £30 million grant to local authorities will get for compliance and enforcement activities.

These Regulations make various changes to the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (North of England) Regulations 2020 dealing with coronavirus restrictions in the North, North East and North West of England.

IoL Chairman talks to the BBC on the impact of the coronavirus on his business ventures and the wider hospitality sector.

Local restrictions include a ban on indoor gatherings, and hospitality venues restricted to take-away, delivery and outdoor service.

New measures will be brought into law in the Liverpool City Region, Halton, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough as incidence rates rise.  Meanwhile hospitality in Bolton can resume from midnight on Saturday 3rd October as the area as a result of falling infection rates.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (North of England, North East and North West of England and Obligations of Undertakings (England) etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 were published on the evening of 29th September and come into force at midnight on 30th September 2020.  The Regulations restrict gatherings in protected areas within North East to no more than two persons unless exceptions apply.  Additional areas have been added to the list of ‘protected areas’,

The LGA has produced an advice note that brings together all the guidance available to councils when considering requests to run larger outdoor events. The document sets out the current position for areas not impacted by specific local regulations, and is subject to change depending on the prevalence of the virus.

A regulatory amendment published on 28 September 2020, has imposed with immediate effect further obligations the hospitality sector as the government seeks by regulation to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Charles Holland and Peter Rogers have jointly provided this authored article setting out the legislative background to the requirements, reviewing its effectiveness and enforceability and drawing their joint conclusions.

Uber has successfully appealed against the decision of TfL to refuse its London operating licence.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations of Hospitality Undertakings) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1008) (“the Undertakings Regulations”) the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/684) and the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Collection of Contact Details etc and Related Requirements) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1005). The amendments include expanding the scope of the existing requirements in the Undertakings Regulations. Regulation 2(5) introduces new requirements to take measures to stop singing and dancing, subject to exemptions, and to not play music which exceeds 85db(A).

From today, people in England will be required by law to self-isolate if they test positive or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace.  Support is available to those on low incomes who are unable to work while self-isolating, while the penalties for breaking the rules start at £1,000 increasing to £10,000 for repeat offences.

Measures will be brought into law from Wednesday 30th September, restricting inter-household mixing in indoor settings, including pubs and restaurants, in Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Northumberland and Sunderland.

Gary Grant, IoL Vice Chairman and Barrister at Francis Taylor Building has provided a consolidated version of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations of...Undertakings) (England) Regulations 2020, including all amendments as of 28 September 2020.

A consolidated version of the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Obligations of Undertakings) (England) Regulations 2020 (with amendments as of 28 September 2020) is now online.

Amongst other things, Regulation 4 amends the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Collection of Contact Details etc and Related Requirements) Regulations 2020.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (the “principal Regulations”).

Consolidated version of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 prepared by IoL vice-chairman Gary Grant and Barrister at Francis Taylor Building.

These Regulations, coming into force on 25th September 2020, amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions and Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 (“the principal regulations”).

New restrictions will be brought in for Wigan, Stockport, Blackpool and Leeds to help curb infection rates as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, while London is added as an area of concern and Teesside as an area of enhanced support.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020 have been published and parts will come into force at 5.00am today (24th September 2020). The Regulations make a number of changes to give effect to the restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on 22 September.

IoL Vice Chairman Gary Grant has provided a summary of the new coronavirus restrictions regulations, the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 5) Regulations 2020.

NHS COVID-19 app launches nationwide to help control COVID-19 transmission alongside national and local contact tracing, and businesses are now  required by law to display the NHS QR code posters to allow people to check in at different premises.

A UK-wide COBR meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by the First Ministers of Scotland and Northern Ireland and the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, preceded announcements of a 10pm curfew and requirements for table service in hospitality across the UK.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/791) (“the Relevant Place Regulations”) to include theatres, restaurants, bars and public houses in the scope of the “relevant places” where members of the public are required to wear face coverings, except for in some limited cases such as when it is reasonably necessary for a person to remove their face covering to eat or drink.

Measures including a 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants, increased mandatory requirements for face coverings (including now for taxi and private hire users), tightenting the 'Rule of 6' and increasing sanctions for breaches have been announced by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson addressing the House of Commons today (22 Sept). The measures are aimed at slowing the spread of the virus, and the PM warned that further measures will be considered if necessary.

It has been reported that Downing Street has taken control of the upcoming review of gambling legislation, due to be launched ‘within weeks’.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council has lodged an appeal with Liverpool Crown Court over whether a former policeman convicted 14 years ago of abducting a 15-year-old girl should be granted a taxi driver licence.

These Regulations amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings on Public Transport) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/592), so that taxis and private hire vehicles are included in the modes of public transport to which the requirement to wear a face covering applies.

Updates have been made to the COVID Working Safely Guidance - the changes relate to restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – it includes added information on penalties for breaching the rules (section 1.1) and updated guidance on Test and Trace data and display of NHS QR codes (section 2.1).

IoL Patron and licensing expert Philip Kolvin QC is joining 11KBW chambers.

Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington and Halton escalated to areas of intervention, with new restrictions in Wolverhampton, Oadby and Wigston, and parts of Bradford, Kirklees and Calderdale.

This instrument introduces a statutory requirement requiring designated venues to collect certain contact details mainly from customer, visitors and staff (as set out in the regulations), store this information for 21 days, and share it with NHS Test and Trace or local public health officials, if requested.

The new restrictions include all licensed pubs, bars and restaurants will have to shut by 23:00 every day, once the lockdown comes into effect.

The widespread introduction of COVID marshals to towns and cities in England to enforce social distancing rules is "unlikely" and "almost impossible", according to some councils, which have highlighted a lack of detail in last week’s Government’s announcement, including questions about funding, recruitment and enforcement powers.

A group of cross-party peers has asked the Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick to explain why he opposed smoking bans for pavement areas outside pubs and restaurants.

These Regulations require certain undertakings in the hospitality industry, to take measures to ensure that their customers follow the rules on social distancing. The Secretary of State must carry out a review of the need for the requirements in these Regulations within the period of six months of their coming into force.

This instrument makes provision for the purpose of enabling a number of public health measures to be taken to reduce the public health risk posed by the coronavirus in Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham County including licensing restrictions.

In this authored article, Gary Grant, Barrister at Francis Taylor Building and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Licensing looks in detail at the new 'Rule of 6'.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 has been published came into force at 12.01 a.m. on 14th September 2020. The instrument makes provision for the tightening restriations on gatherings which have been taken to reduce the public health risks posed by the spread of SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19. IoL Vice Chairman Gary Grant has provided a version of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 including all amendments as of 14 September 2020.

This Note provided by Sarah Clover through the NexStart group is written in narrative form to give assistance as to what the latest regulations mean.

New laws prohibiting social gatherings of more than six people come into effect in England today (Monday 14 September) as the Government calls on the public to remain vigilant in the fight against coronavirus.

Update to Scotland's route map setting out further Phase 3 changes, as Scotland transitions through and out of the COVID-19 crisis.

Councils and the police is reported to have criticised the Government’s announcement of new COVID-19 marshals.

The Government has updated its guidance document on COVID-19 providing the list of businesses and premises expected to close in Leicester.

The Government has published, for the first time, guidance on the restrictions imposed in Bolton.

Face coverings will become mandatory in indoor public places across Wales from Monday as rules are tightened to prevent a fresh coronavirus crisis.

Following the announcements on 14 September and the ‘Rule of six’ which comes into effect on Monday 14th September, the guidance ‘Closing certain businesses and venues in England’ has been updated.

Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull moved to 'areas of intervention', with residents told not to meet with people from outside their households to control the spread of the virus.     This article details the new restrictions alongside other changes to local restrictions.

The Executive has decided to introduce a series of localised restrictions to stem the increase in Covid-19 cases and keep people safe.

The government have confirmed the new mandatory requirements for premises and venues across England to have a system in place to record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff in the latest move to break the chains of transmission of coronavirus.

The DfT have written to licensing authorities across the country, acknowledging and thanking them for their hard work during the pandemic. In the letter, DfT Director Stephen Fidler recognises the challenges presented by the pandemic restrictions and applauds the many licensing authorities who have found ways to address challenges presented to normal licensing processes. He urges any licensing authority not currently accepting new licence applications to address the matter urgently to 'to support the restart of schools and support local economies and to limit any long-term impacts on the sector'.

Gatherings of more than 6 people indoors or outdoors will be illegal from Monday, enforced by the Police with fines for breaches.

The Government has announced new measures for Bolton including  late-night restriction of operating hours for venues and restricting the hospitality sector to takeaway only.  In addition, a ban on mixing outside households in homes and public outdoor settings will be enforceable as cases in Bolton reach 120 per 100,000 – the highest in the country.

Coronavirus laws will be tightened across Caerphilly borough to prevent a local outbreak of the virus spreading, Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.

Photocard licences or entitlement to drive that expires between 1 February and 31 December 2020 have been extended for 11 months from the date of expiry. This extension will be of interest to licensing authorities responsible for licensing taxi and private hire drivers.

The SIA has changed the qualifications needed for an SIA licence and is now consulting on top-up training for SIA-licensed door supervisors and security officers.

An ex-police officer who ‘quit’ the force after abducting schoolgirl and her friend has ‘won’ his legal battle to become a private hire driver.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the Institute of Licensing (IoL) have published two new reports on regulating cosmetic treatments. Cosmetic treatments are rapidly growing in popularity, but the existing regulatory regime is poorly equipped to keep the public safe.

NEXSTART, the National Exit Strategy Advice & Response Team for the Hospitality and Entertainment Industry, have issued two new guidance notes dealing with gaming machines in licensed bingo premises and adult gaming centres and gaming machines and pool tables in pubs in England.

Mendip District Council’s Licensing Team is delivering virtual safeguarding sessions to all its licensed taxi and private hire drivers.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Restrictions on Holding of Gatherings and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 have been published and come into force today (Friday 28 August 2020), creating a new offence for holding (or being involved in holding) gatherings of more than 30 people.

Locally led approach seeing results as COVID-19 cases drop in some hotspot areas in northern England, meaning 2 households can mix again in areas including Bolton, Stockport, Trafford, Hyndburn and Burnley.  Current restrictions will remain in Leicester for a further 2 weeks as cases remain high at present.

A new £15 million Culture Organisations and Venues Recovery Fund will provide critical support to a range of businesses such as art galleries, studio facilities, comedy venues, large music venues, commercial theatres, orchestras, dance companies and nightclubs.  This is part of a £59 million funding package to protect jobs and help the industry weather the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Welsh Government has moved to give the police greater powers to prevent unlicensed music events taking place in Wales, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.

Police Scotland have been granted powers to break up large house parties as restrictions on social gatherings come into force from tomorrow (Friday 28 August) making it an offence to breach coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance by having a large house party indoors.

While most local authorities have found ways to overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to operate the licensing function, there remain some who currently refuse to accept new licence applications.  This is an indefensible position to take, adversely impacting on individuals and businesses at a time of extreme difficulty and rising unemployment nationally.

The NTIA and a consortium of industry operators have published a  ‘Nightclubs & Venue Opening Strategy’ setting out the case for a science-based, risk-assessed return to a Covid-secure opening of nightclubs and venues.

The NEXSTART group have published an advice note focusing on gaming machines and pool tables in pubs in England.

The NEXSTART group have published an advice note focusing on gaming machines in licensed bingo premises and AGCs.

A new criminal offence for people organising or facilitating unlawful gatherings comes into force on Friday 28 August 2020.

Hospitality to reopen on Wednesday 26 August subject to compliance checks.

Government and local leaders in Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn have agreed additional measures to curb the spread of the virus, while removing Wigan, Darwen and Rossendale from intervention, but businesses including restaurants and pubs, workplaces and childcare including nurseries to remain open. In addition, Birmingham is now an ‘area of enhanced support’ and Northampton is an ‘area of intervention’.

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

The closing certain businesses and venues in England guidance has been updated to reflect changes in rules on wearing face coverings.

The BBPA, UK Hospitality and BII have issued an open letter to the pub sector highlighting the critical importance of engaging our customers in Covid secure practices.

Major UK breweries admit they have "an important role to play" in controlling the spread of coronavirus, after a Sky News investigation revealed nine out of 10 pubs in Greater Manchester were flouting lockdown rules.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have launched a ‘Here to Help’ campaign to provides a practical guide for food businesses on how to register, re-open and adapt to the way they trade safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) and United Trade Action Group (UTAG) has taken the decision to challenge both the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) over its new Streetspace plans as more key roads are closed to motorists and licensed taxis.

There has been some uncertainty about the extent to which outdoor events are currently permitted to take place. This guidance note brings together relevant guidance on outdoor events and provides an overview of the current position.

Nail bars, outdoor pools, and beauty salons can reopen in Leicester from tomorrow (19 August). Current rules for gatherings in private homes and gardens will remain in place while the Government continues to monitor the situation and keep all restrictions and easements under consideration

The Government has confirmed re-opening from 15 August for casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and other premises, while nightclubs and dance halls will remain closed.  Close contact treatments will be able to resume in full although staff offering these services should wear a face mask (type 2 surgical), in addition to a clear visor that covers the face.  The easements come alongside tougher fines for face mask breaches and new fines for unlawful gatherings.

Guidance for performing arts and close contact services have been updated alongside guidance for the public following the announcements by the Government of further relaxations.

The Institute of Licensing has submitted a response to the Wales Government's consultation on the proposed ban of third party sales of puppies and kittens.

Current rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Leicester will remain in place, meaning casinos, skating rinks, bowling alleys, exhibition halls, conference centres and indoor play areas will not be permitted to open in these areas. The Government says it will continue to work with local leaders in Blackburn with Darwen, Oldham and Pendle to address high or rising cases

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has written to the Prime Minister setting out proposals to ensure the West End can survive the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses face a 'perfect storm' with home working, tourism restrictions and social distancing requirements.

As announced at Budget 2020, the government will legislate in Finance Bill 2020-21 to make the renewal of licences to drive taxis and private hire vehicles, operate PHV firms and deal in scrap metal, conditional on applicants completing checks that confirm they are appropriately registered for tax. Licensing bodies will have to obtain confirmation that an applicant has completed the check before making a decision on their renewal application.  The draft primary legislation and supporting documentation has now been published.

UKHospitality has reiterated the importance of hospitality businesses to play their part in supporting the test and trace schemes across the UK.

The instrument amends the Face Coverings Regulations which require members of the public to wear a face covering when in a “relevant place”.

Pubs and other licensed premises should be made to comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines with councils given the powers to close down places where rules are being flouted and communities are put at risk of infection, the LGA said.

Newspapers reported that football's 35-year booze ban may be lifted to draw fans back into stadiums this year with proposals to allow supporters to drink in their seats aimed at avoiding unnecessary movement and contact with others.

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) position on, and recommendations about, the accessibility of taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs).

The Government is consulting on plans to reform the planning system, streamlining planning processes, cutting red tape and making more use of technology to speed up the process. The stated intention of the proposed new system will be to protect valued green spaces with more building on brownfield land while delivering new homes faster, and provide a 30% discount through First Homes with an emphasis on key workers.

Paul Fleming, general secretary-elect of Equity, told the BBC more state funding was needed to keep the arts going through the pandemic calling the government's coronavirus performance a "pantomime".

Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Aberdeen, local restrictions on travel, indoor gatherings between households and the closure of indoor and outdoor hospitality will be introduced in the Aberdeen City local authority area, taking effect from 5pm today (Wednesday 5 August).

From today (3 August) pubs, cafes and restaurants in Wales will be able to serve people indoors with the BBC reporting that people have spoken of their excitement and anxiety about socialising again as lockdown rules are further relaxed in Wales.

It’s been reported that Scotland's national clinical director said there has to be a "reverse gear" over licensed venue easing lockdown in Scotland.

Guide Dogs and the RNIB have produced a joint letter to local authorities in regard to pavement licensing and the new Business and Planning Act.

There has been some discussion on this with Prof Graham Medley, a government scientific advisor, saying pubs or "other activities" in England may need to close to allow schools to reopen next month, while Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick subsequently advising that there are no plans to do this.

Charles Holland, Gary Grant and Leo Charalambides have provided an update of their report on 'The Rules for Independence Day and Beyond'

The £100m Zoo Animals Fund, announced on 27 June, is now open for applications from zoos and aquariums.

The Guidance 'Closing certain businesses and venues in England' has been updated following the announcement by Boris Johnson on 31 July regarding the delays to further reopening originally planed for 1 August.

The Government has announced a reversal of further lockdown easing in England following spikes in reported cases.

Live outdoor events, funfairs, amusement arcades, casinos, bingo halls and other premises are set to re-open on 24 August according to indicative dates from the Scotland Government.   The indicative dates will be kept under review and are contingent on the continued suppression of COVID-19.  Re-opening dates for indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports clubs will be reviewed in 3 weeks time with a current indicative date of 14 September.

The Scotland Government has published a guide for the events sector on safe re-opening during the coronavirus pandemic.

Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases.  Meanwhile, local restrictions in Luton will be lifted from Saturday 1 August, bringing the area back in line with the majority.

The first tranche of funding from the Government’s £1.57 billion cultural recovery package will be used to save around 150 grassroots music venues from insolvency, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced.

The Institute of Licensing taxi and PH suitability guidance has been referenced in the national press reporting on the DfT’s statutory guidance.

A funding package of £10 million has been established to help the events sector recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. in Scotland. A restart date for the events sector is still awaited.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 2) (Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 come into effect from 25th July, meaning cinemas, museums and beauty salons can reopen from Monday, as Wales’ coronavirus restrictions continue to be relaxed,

Campaigners are petitioning for further changes to address importation of puppies which undermines the licensing controls implemented by Lucy’s Law creating an enforcement minefield for local authorities tasked with regulating dog breeding.  The exploitative importation of young puppies for sale in England  gives rise to the same welfare concerns which prompted Lucy's Law, including the  premature separation from the mother, and the trauma and health issues that can be associated with transportation.

As the lockdown surge in demand for puppies continues, DEFRA's 'Petfished' campaign is being promoted by vets and celebrities in an effort to raise awareness of the issues which give rise to potentially severe welfare issues unscrupulous individuals breed puppies for profit with little or no concern for the welfare of the pups or their mother.

Stars from the UK’s Dance Music sector, alongside festivals, nightclubs, and industry figures are today issuing an urgent plea for support from the UK Government that the dance music clubs & events sector must be protected and recognised as an important part of the nation’s art and culture in parity with the wider Live Music sector, to ensure equal access to support.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 have been published.

This instrument makes further changes to Schedule 2 to allow the following businesses and venues to re-open on 25 July 2020: a. indoor swimming pools, including indoor facilities at water parks b. indoor fitness and dance studios c. indoor gyms and sports courts and facilities

The Business and Planning Bill 2019-21 has received Royal Assent today (22 July 2020) and its provisions come into effect immediately under section 24 of the new Act.

Guidance to accompany pavement licensing introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020 has been issued.

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

Betting shops in Scotland have been ordered to switch off their gaming machines, just days after the Scottish Government announced it was lifting the controversial ban.

The new Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards which local authorities will be expected to implement are designed to improve consistency in the licensing system, reducing the risk of harm posed to children and vulnerable passengers in the process. It follows historic and serious cases of taxi and PHV drivers abusing their position of trust.

This note relates to pavement licences that would be granted to existing alcohol licensed premises. Inevitably the provisions are detailed and contain some ambiguity; however, one issue that has been identified as potentially posing some difficulty for operators is the provision of standard conditions.

The Business and Planning Bill has completed its scrutiny in the House of Lords and will now go back to the House of Commons for consideration of the proposed amendments.

People using pubs, restaurants and cafes will soon have greater freedom to choose non-smoking outdoor areas following an amendment tabled today to legislation in Parliament.

A Consumers are returning cautiously to hospitality, but rigorous safety measures, industry collaboration and government support can all speed the sector along the road to recovery.

The Local Government Association has issued guidance on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations.

The Government has issued guidance on the powers given to local authorities to impose local lockdowns.

Sarah Clover has written the latest NEXSTART note, this one on the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020.

The Lord Chancellor has today (19 July 2020) announced locations for 10 ‘Nightingale Courts’ which have been rapidly set up to tackle the impact of coronavirus on the justice system. Spanning England and Wales, the courts will hear civil, family and tribunals work as well as non-custodial crime cases.

Indoor performances with socially distanced audiences will be able to take place across the country from 1 August, the Prime Minister has announced.

PM Boris Johnson has set out the Government’s position as it ‘hopes for the best and plans for the worst’.  Amid announcements of relaxations which will see theatres and indoor performances resume with social distancing measures from 1 August, additional funding has been announced for the NHS alongside local lockdown powers for ministers and local authorities.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 make provision for a local authority to give directions relating to premises, events and public outdoor places in its area. A direction may only be given if the local authority considers that the public health, necessity and proportionality conditions set out in regulation 2 are met. The Regulations will come into force on 18th July 2020.

The Government has announced that business events and conferences will be permitted to resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain at current levels

Scientific advice for the safe re-opening of schools and resumption of school transport has been published today (Thursday 16 July). Subject to the continued suppression of the virus, and to surveillance and mitigations being in place, schools will re-open from 11 August.

Communities Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín MLA, has announced Executive agreement on proposals that will transform and modernise the liquor licensing law, striking a balance between tackling alcohol abuse and bolstering the hospitality industry.

Poppleston Allen Solicitors have reported that Bristol City Council have made the decision to remove all Cumulative Impact Assessment Policies with effect from 1st August 2020.

The Telegraph have reported that ministers are climbing down by placing an 11pm deadline on off-sales after Lords warned it would cause disorder.

India Cottage, a restaurant based in Ringwood, Hampshire has had its licence reviewed for not complying with lock down restrictions.

The Bill continues to progress through the House of Lords completing its committee stage.

Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick has made a Written Ministerial Statement outlining the planning changes designed to protect

This instrument makes a number of changes to Schedule 2 (Businesses subject to Closures) of the Regulations.

Pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars in Wales will be able to serve customers indoors from 3 August, providing Covid cases continue to fall.

Theatres, concert halls and live music performance venues will be protected through changes to the planning system which will take effect next week, prompting councils to consider the impact of coronavirus into consideration when considering change of use, redevelopment of demotion of premises.

Businesses including beauty salons, nail bars and tattoo studios can reopen safely from Monday 13 July.

Following the announcement from the Government yesterday (10/07/2020), the Government has issued a raft of updates and releases have been issued:

A Chesterfield pub which breached COVID-19 regulations and caused a noise nuisance for neighbours, has had its licence revoked.

Hairdressers and barbers are preparing to re-open on 15 July under the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.  Guidance has been published for the sector and will also apply to other services including beauty salons which have an indicative opening date of 22 July.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced further relaxation of restriction regulations relating to outdoor theatres, gyms and pools.

Charles Holland, Gary Grant and Leo Charalambides provide commentary and legal analysis on the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) England Regulations.

NEXSTART's overview of the pavement licensing regime with Q&As.

The Business and Planning Bill is currently in the House of Lords for scrutiny.

The government has announced a £1.57 billion rescue package for Britain’s arts, culture and heritage industries. Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music and independent cinema will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

Culture Secretary announces agreements to allow selected sporting events and production on film and television to get underway safely.

The Government has issued guidance to accompany the relaxation of the restriction regulations that came into effect on 4 July.

NEXSTART commentary by Leo Charalambides, Sarah Clover & Charles Holland on the amendments to the Health Protection Regulations.

The NEXTSTART group have issued a further advice note on gambling covering gaming machines and compliance issues.

The Government has issued further guidance on how to maintain records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace.

The amendment regulations that paves the way for further restrictions regulations to be lifted in respect of pubs and other licensed venues have been published.

At 3pm on 3 July 2020, the much anticipated regulations permitting pubs, bars, restaurants and, surprisingly, cinemas and theatres, in England to re-open were laid before Parliament, just hours before they come into force at 6am on Saturday, 4 July 2020.

The relaxation of lockdown restrictions has given rise to questions being raised by authorities and operators concerning the interpretation and implementation of the requirements imposed upon businesses as they gradually reopen. This note endeavours to assist all those involved in the process to provide a safe transition out of lockdown.

Stars from the UK’s live music sector have written to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden in an urgent plea for support from the UK Government during what would have been the UK’s world-famous festival season.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants to re-open outdoors in Wales will begin to re-open outdoors in Wales from July 13, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall.

The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued guidance to businesses collecting personal data for contact tracing.

Travelling in Cheltenham licensed taxis or private hire vehicles will become safer as the authority’s Cabinet is set to approve a new policy on partition screens in licensed vehicles.

The use of face coverings will become mandatory in shops in Scotland as coronavirus restrictions are eased and social distancing rules eased.

The report found that the Covid -19 pandemic has underlined the need for greater protections for people who can gamble with ease from home, at any time of day and at any level, via a mobile phone.

Businesses and organisations are being told to collect contact details of their visitors as their venues reopen this Saturday, to help the NHS Test and Trace service in the national effort to contain and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Councils in England will now receive a further, unringfenced £500 million to respond to spending pressures they are facing as a result of COVID-19. The new support package was announced by Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick today, Thursday 2 July, as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure councils’ financial sustainability for the future.

The Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry has published its report: ‘Gambling Harm— Time for Action’.  The report makes over fifty recommendations to address the issues of problem gambling and criticises Government refusal to impose a mandatory levy on the industry to fund research, education and treatment.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that lockdown measures will be reinstated in Leicester with schools and non-essential retail stores required to close from today (30 June), and residents asked to stay at home.  All but essential travel to and from Leicester should now be avoided.

The Fundraising Regulator and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (IoF) has produced guidance for safe fundraising during the pandemic.

Government guidance has been provided for those managing council buildings and multi-use community facilities.

The Business and Planning Bill cleared the House of Commons on 29 June 2020.

On 4 March 2019, representatives of the Institute of Licensing met with the team at the Drugs and Alcohol Unit at the Home Office to discuss the recommendations of the House of Lords Select Committee after their ten year review of the Licensing Act 20031. In the Report, the Lords’ Committee had made several recommendations concerning the relationship between licensing and planning. Their conclusions were radical, and sparked a debate.

The latest advice note from the NEXSTART group which focuses on pavement licences under the new Business and Planning Bill.

Mandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced from 1 August 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifted

House of Commons Public Accounts Committee report finds that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Commission it oversees have an “unacceptably weak understanding” of the impact of gambling harms and lack measurable targets for reducing them. The Gambling Commission has “no key performance indicators” and the departmental leadership lacks urgency to address this.

Sarah Clover has authored the latest advice note from the NEXSTART group which focuses on the Business and Planning Bill.

Zoos and aquariums in England set to receive up to £100 million in additional support to help them continue to care for their animals through coronavirus pandemic.

Sarah Clover and Leo Charalambides have authored the latest advice note from the NEXSTART group which focuses on group size, gatherings and capacity.

The Welsh Government is consulting on proposals to introduce a ban on commercial third party sales of puppies and kittens. This is a follow on from the consultation which was conducted between 19 February – 17 May 2019 and received 458 responses, the majority of which supported a ban. The consultation highlighted other issues which needed further investigation such as enforcement and breeding.

Gary Grant, Barrister at Francis Taylor Building and Vice Chairman of the Institute of Licensing, provides a detailed view of the changes proposed by the new Business and Planning Bill 2020.

The Scottish Government has published its indicative dates for Phase 2 & early Phase 3 restriction relaxation.

The Business and Planning Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on Thursday 25 June 2020. Draft guidance has been prepared to be read alongside a number of the planning measures set out in the Bill, including guidance on pavement licences.

Planning and licensing laws will be relaxed to help the hospitality industry recover from the coronavirus lockdown, the Government has announced. Measures included within the Bill will include a fast-track process for businesses to obtain permission for the use of outside areas, will allow off-sales for takeaway and delivery purposes without the need to vary existing licences which authorise the sale of alcohol.

Indicative dates for further relaxations to the Coronavirus regulations in Northern Ireland have been announced by the Executive.

Guidance has been provided for different categories of premises in England ahead of the latest lockdown relaxations announced by the PM yesterday, which will see the re-opening of many businesses including pubs, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, hairdressers and barbershops.

New guidance has been provided on social distancing ahead of the relaxations announced by the Prime Minister yesterday.

On 23 June 2020, the Prime Minister announced further easements of the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, including the re-opening of many businesses and venues (with exceptions).

The Government has published it’s ‘Guidance on Tourism and the Visitor Economy’, to help to get the tourism sector back up and running so the public can safely take domestic holidays  and visit attractions on days out.

NEXSTART has issued its latest advice note dealing with compliance with licence conditions.

The Government has confirmed that pubs, restaurants and cinemas and hotels can reopen on 4 July provided that can comply with Covid secure guidelines.

A team of retail and leisure experts has launched a new company called EVOLVE Partners to help rescue town centres including IoL Director and Chair of the West Midlands Institute of Licensing Sarah Clover.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has written to local authorities asking them to relax licensing enforcement and reduce licensing fees.

The Gambling Commission is seeking views on proposed changes to the rules operators must abide by when transacting with high value customers.

Government has published a code of practice to encourage commercial tenants and landlords to work together to protect viable businesses.  The code is endorsed by UKH, BBPA and ACS amongst others.

The Scottish Government has announced that Scotland will now move in stages to Phase 2 of its COVID-19 recovery routemap

Scottish Government has published guidance for the tourism and hospitality sector, including procedures for staff and customer safety and an operations checklist.

The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has published guidance on searching people and their belongings whilst maintaining physical distance.

NEXSTART has issued its latest advice note dealing with toilet provision and the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations 2020 in England & Wales.

The government guidance ‘Closing certain businesses and venues in England’ has been updated to reflect the changes implemented through the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020.

The Government has announced increased testing for taxi and PH drivers to help the Government learn more about who is at higher risk and how the virus is spreading.

The Department for Transport has issued a statement on face coverings in taxis.

The Gambling Commission have published FAQs aimed at helping operators manage compliance with Government Covid-19 guidance on re-opening.

From today (Monday 15 June 2020) everyone must wear a face covering when travelling by public transport in England.  The Regulations make face coverings mandatory on buses, coaches, trams, ferries, aircraft and trains.  Taxi and private hire vehicles are not included in the Regulations, although there will be local policies on this and the guidance which has been updated to reflect the regulations advises the public to wear face coverings when using taxi and private hire vehicles and states that drivers may refuse passengers if they are not wearing them.

Reopening licensed premises will symbolise that return to normality and it is important we get it right. In this authored article, Daniel Davies gives his thoughts on on the imporance and impact of having the right partnership between regulators and operators.

Cutting tourism VAT, an overhaul of the business rates system and the creation of an autumn Bank Holiday are some of the ways in which the Government can support the UK’s hospitality and tourism businesses, according to a new report.

UKHospitality has called upon Government to confirm a re-opening date for hospitality and tourism, to allow businesses to prepare for a return to trading.

The Prime Minister has launched a review of the 2 metre social distancing rules amidst calls to reduce it to allow more businesses to open.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 bring further relaxation to lockdown regulations allowing more premises to open including betting shops, zoos and outdoor attractions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now confirmed that alongside shops, outdoor attractions where people can stay in their cars, and zoos can open on Monday 15 June subject to facilitating social distancing.

The Scottish Government has announced the formation of a new Scottish Recovery Tourism Taskforce to assist with the ongoing reset of the sector - and a provisional date of 15 July has been set for when tourism businesses may be able to resume operations, dependent on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government lockdown route-map.

The STA welcomes re-opening announcements, while remaining hopeful for some sectors to open earlier, and calling for urgent measures to overcome the 2 metre distancing requirements to enable economic viability for many businesses.

Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres will reopen on Monday 15 June amid calls for clarity on pubs. In the meantime, amid growing concern for zoos and similar establishments, media reports suggest that announcements later today will confirm that outdoor attractions can re-open from Monday subject to compliance with social distancing rules.

Philip Kolvin QC looks at a potential solution to the challenges of outside drinking , while Cheltenham Borough Council is understood to have become one of the first local authorities in the country to accelerate applications for temporary changes to the use of public areas and private land.

The association Guide Dogs for the Blind have created guidance to help taxi and private hire drivers and operators support customers with sight loss through good communication skills while maintaining social distancing.

After media speculation that the Government might bring forward the date for pubs reopening, Business Secretary Alok Sharma says the Government will “continue to follow the roadmap, which sets out our ambition to reopen these sectors from 4 July at the earliest”.

In a letter, sent to HM Courts and Tribunal Service together with the Magistrates’ Association, Office of the Lord Chief Justice and government ministers, the Institute of Licensing and NALEO have raised concerns in relation to the delays on licensing hearings in the magistrates’ court.

The BBPA has called on the Government for “urgent clarity and a definitive date for when beer gardens will be allowed to open”.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is creating 5 new business-focused groups to unleash Britain’s growth potential and create jobs, as part of the government’s plans to help the economy bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

An expansion of face-to-face hearings is planned this week as 16 more court and tribunal buildings open across England and Wales. This news comes amid growing concern at the delays to licensing hearings which are subject to the Court’s Listing Priorities.

The Government has published it’s response to the Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee Report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies.   As part of the response, it has been announced that DCMS will launch a call for evidence into the impact of loot boxes on in-game spending and gambling-like behaviour later this year.

The Guidance 'Closing certain businesses and venues in England' has been updated to reflect the amended Regulations.

A number of changes to the Coronavirus Regulations will be introduced from Monday (8 June). The Executive has also indicated that hotels and other tourist accommodation will be allowed to re-open from July 20, if virus transmissions rates continue to decline. A final decision to allow this reopening will be confirmed nearer the time.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has launched a new super inquiry on Post-Pandemic Economic Growth. This wide-ranging and ambitious inquiry will look at the options available to Government to secure our economic recovery from the impact of Covid-19; covering investment, industrial strategy, jobs, skills, exports and sustainable growth. The Committee has called for evidence with submissions required by 17th July.

The Local Government Association has issued guidance on approaches to the use of screens in private hire vehicles (PHVs) and taxis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this authored article, Philip Kolvin QC gives his thoughts on solutions to allow the use of outdoor areas by licensed premises once allowed to reopen.

Guidance on off-sales and compliance with restriction regulations produced by a coalition of experts including the Institute of Licensing. This guidance provides practical guidance and a comprehensive list of FAQs for the trade and licensing authorities to assist with navigating the off sales legalities.

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Air Quality has published its Air Quality Strategy including provisions relevant to taxi and PH licensing.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that it will be mandatory for bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircraft passengers in England to wear face coverings on their journeys from 15 June to coincide with the next phase of the lockdown relaxation. Official advice remains to work from home where possible. Update

A new study has been launched to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among potentially ‘high risk’ groups.

IoL President James Button looks at the Lockdown Regulations as amended from 1st June.

Following further relaxation of the lockdown restrictions, people are now able to exercise outside with up to five others from different households from today (Monday 1 June), provided that strict social distancing guidelines are followed. It has also been announced that extremely vulnerable people who have been “shielding” in England can now safely spend time outdoors. Updated guidance and FAQs have been published to support these developments.

Northern Ireland Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced plans to allow hotels and other tourist accommodation to re-open from 20 July 2020.

The latest Health Protection amendment regulations have been published and due to come into force on 1 June 2020.

PM Boris Johnson has announced that groups of up to six people will be able to meet outdoors in England from Monday 1 June, provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed.

Following the Scottish Government’s announcement yesterday, arrangements are being put in place to reopen courts and tribunals buildings next week as part of Phase 1 of the Scottish Government Covid-19 Routemap.

The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure has issued guidance notes dealing with protection and security issues as restrictions are lifted.

Prime minister ‘optimistic’ that bars may reopen with reduced social distancing restrictions.

It has been reported that the police are “retreating” from lockdown enforcement and will now only break up large gatherings.

Changes to Scotland’s lockdown restrictions have been confirmed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with some restrictions easing from Friday 29th May.

Outdoor markets and car showrooms in England will open from 1 June (subject to meeting secure guidelines) and all other non-essential retail are expected to re-open from 15 June subject to guidelines and providing the Government tests on the COVID-19 position are met. Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed at this stage.

A new £50 million fund for councils to support their local high streets get safely back to business has been announced by High Streets Minister Simon Clarke (24 May 2020). The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will help councils in England introduce a range of safety measures in a move to get people back to work and customers back to the shops.

The launch of a £10 million independent gambling education initiative intended to equip a generation of young people to better understand the risks associated with gambling and engage with gambling products and environments in an informed way, has been announced.

It has been reported that the Government is looking at a "blanket permission" for restaurants and cafes to make use of public spaces.

Search interest in online casinos has hit an all-time high in the UK since lockdown began.

Research by data and insight consultancy CGA has suggested that as many as 30,000 pubs and restaurants may not open once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

The Scottish Government has published its route map setting out a phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions while still suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Pendulum pub in Pendeford, Wolverhampton has had its premises licence revoked in summary review proceedings brought by West Midlands Police for breaking the coronavirus lockdown provisions.

Criminals who commit ‘alcohol-fuelled crime’ may be banned from drinking and made to wear ‘sobriety tags’ after new legislation comes into force on 19 May 2020.

The Gambling Commission has issued new customer interaction guidance for remote operators to interact with consumers at risk of harm.

Government at Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff must invest in a fair and timely return for hospitality this summer, for the benefit of local communities, peoples’ jobs, national wellbeing and the British economy. That’s the central message of a new campaign by trade body UKHospitality to highlight that businesses are ready to reopen in a safe and sustainable way given the right government support.

Five ministerially-led ‘taskforces’ will look at guidelines to support re-opening of businesses currently closed.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 come into force on 13 May 2020 and amend the the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020. The Guidance 'Closing certain businesses and venues in England' has also been updated to reflect the changes to the Regulations.

The Government has said it remains committed to publishing the taxi statutory guidance “shortly”.

The British Beer and Pub Association has warned that up to 14,000 pubs might close if they do not open by the end of September'.

A new health focused University of Stirling study is seeking to understand how the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on licensed premises can be effectively managed to protect emergency services.

The Gambling Commission said the lockdown has brought “significant consumer behavioural change and major impacts on the gambling industry.”

The Department for Transport has issued updated guidance following the Governments relaxation of restrictions.