Haringey Council is set to consult with the public on a new licensing policy aimed at shaping the borough's entertainment and night-time economy. The council aims to gather feedback from diverse communities within Haringey by emailing local residents and tenants associations, responsible authorities, local businesses, religious bodies and organizations, relevant and associated business organizations, the Regeneration Team, Parks Service, local holders of On & Off licences, Licence holders and local Councillors. Information will be provided in translated versions.

The Licensing Committee convened on Monday 28 July 2025, to discuss the draft Haringey Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031. The current policy is due for review and publication by January 2026. The consultation aims to gather feedback on proposed revisions to the existing policy, ensuring it aligns with the needs of residents, businesses, and responsible authorities.

The draft policy centres on promoting the four licensing objectives outlined in the Licensing Act 2003:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • The protection of children from harm

According to the Public Reports Pack, the revised policy seeks to clarify Haringey's position on various licensing matters, addressing concerns raised at previous licensing sub-committee meetings. Key amendments include:

  • Removal of guidance related to Coronavirus.
  • Updated alcohol harm data.
  • Updated wording around pavement licensing, prompted by the Business and Planning Act 2020, which makes it easier for businesses to obtain a pavement licence . The report pack notes that There will likely be an increase in public nuisance complaints as a result of these new measures.
  • Revised wording on the Corporate Plan and links with other strategies, including risks and harms to women and vulnerable individuals in the late-night economy.
  • Responding to the proposed Martyn's Law by outlining event and large venue safety and risk assessment, and the dispersal of patrons from premises.
  • Addressing the impact of low-cost, high-strength alcohol sales and street drinking in certain areas. Applicants will need to demonstrate in their operating schedule their willingness to address any known anti social behaviour issues in the area. Some examples of good practice include: reducing the strength approaches having voluntary bans on high strength low cost alcohol; visible labels identifying the premises; use of different coloured or labelled bags for sales of alcohol; ensuring street drinkers do not congregate outside the premises; ensuring drinkers do not consume alcohol on the premises, also not having the paraphernalia to allow that (e.g. single plastic drinking vessels or bottle openers near the till area); no sale of miniatures; and keeping the premises locality clear of litter.
  • Updated wording on framework hours. The Council will generally not grant permission for licensable activities beyond 23:30 hours on Sundays to Thursdays and Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays in respect of public houses situated in areas having denser residential accommodation. The Council would expect good reasons to be given to support any application for extensions beyond these hours, including addressing possible disturbance to residents and local parking.
  • A new section on responsible management for licensed premises relating to match and event days in a given area, specifically considering events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Finsbury Park. The Licensing Authority require all applicants and premises licence or certificate holders to promote public safety and minimise alcohol related crime and disorder when large scale events and match days are taking place by putting forward the following measures in their operating schedules: Premises not to be open for the sale of alcohol before 11.00 Saturday and Sunday; All drinks dispensed from the bar are poured into plastic containers 4 hours before kick off time until one hour after the end of the match; No glass bottles are served over the bar 4 hours before kick off time until one hour after the end of the match; A minimum of two Door Staff who have been approved by the Security Industry Authority to be employed on the premises to control the entry and exit of customers 4 hours before kick off time until one hour after the end of the match; Patrons will not be permitted to stand on the pavement consuming alcohol other than in designated areas with registered door supervisors managing and controlling the area.
  • A new section showing examples of model conditions, such as: The premises shall install, operate, and maintain a digital colour CCTV system; A minimum of xx SIA licensed door supervisors shall be on duty after xx:xx on Monday/ Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday/ Friday/ Saturday/ Sunday; Alcohol sold for consumption on the premises shall only be made by waiter service to seated customers, shall be ancillary to the provision of table meal; There shall be no high strength beers, lagers, and ciders above 6.0% ABV shall be stocked or sold; A Challenge 25 proof of age scheme shall be operated at the premises where the only acceptable forms of identification are recognised photographic identification cards, such as a driving licence, passport, or proof of age card with the PASS Hologram.
  • Updated responsible authorities information.

Heatmap showing concentrations of licensed premises in Haringey.
Heatmap showing concentrations of licensed premises in Haringey.

A heatmap showing concentrations of licensed premises in Haringey.

The council sought views from businesses and the general public through a survey. The Public Reports Pack notes that while most respondents are happy with the status quo, some felt there are too many off-licences in the borough. Public Health officials share this concern, raising issues about alcohol availability.

The consultation will be advertised at main council buildings and on the council website. It will run for six weeks, from the end of July to early September 2025. The proposed consultation timetable includes:

  • Report to Overview & Scrutiny: July/August 2025
  • Consideration of consultation responses: Early September
  • Outcome report to Well Being Climate Board: Mid-October
  • Report back to the Licensing Committee: October TBC
  • Report prepared for Full Council: November TBC
  • Public notice period: December TBC
  • New policy takes effect: January 2026 TBC

Before finalising the policy, the Licensing Authority must consult with persons listed in section 5(3) of the Licensing Act 2003. The Licensing Authority is consulting widely, not limiting the consultation to the persons listed in section 5(3) of the Act.