Hammersmith and Fulham's Licensing Committee has reviewed the Licensing Team's annual report, addressing staffing challenges, a rise in complaints, and approving updates to the licensing policy. The report for April 2025 to March 2026 detailed a six percent increase in applications and notifications processed under the Licensing Act 2003, with a notable rise in Temporary Event Notices (TENs) submitted – 707 received compared to 639 the previous year. Increases were also seen in new personal licence applications, premises licence/certificate minor variation applications, and transfers of premises licences.
The team faced initial difficulties in filling vacancies for an enforcement officer and a compliance assistant. These roles were eventually filled towards the end of 2025, with recruitment for a second licensing enforcement officer taking place in September 2025 and for a new licensing compliance assistant in October 2025.
Despite a slight fall in income from annual fees and applications, attributed to a reduction in applications and premises surrendering their licenses, the team successfully defended an appeal. This defence resulted in an increase of £72,155 in 'Recovered costs and charges' in 2025/26, helping to offset the decrease in income. The report notes that application fees under the Licensing Act 2003 are set by statute and cannot be amended by local authorities, with a 7% decrease in application fees observed in 2025/26 compared to the previous year.
The enforcement division was particularly busy, handling 122 complex complaints. These complaints covered a range of issues, including outdoor noise from beer gardens or patrons, amplified indoor noise, anti-social behaviour linked to venue customers, street drinking, off-licence management, sales to intoxicated persons, and underage sales. The division also managed a record number of reviews, many initiated by the licensing authority itself.
Licensing debt saw a slight increase, rising to £31,582 on 31st March 2026 from £20,895 on 31st March 2025. This increase is attributed to delays in recruiting a second licensing enforcement officer, whose role includes debt recovery.
The team is planning service improvements, including renewing the licensing policy and finalizing the nighttime strategy. The nighttime strategy, focusing on the council's three town centres, is in its final stages and aims to boost the economy by supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment, and creating a welcoming, vibrant, safe, and inclusive post-6pm environment for residents, businesses, workers, and visitors. The expected outcomes include a more vibrant night-time economy and improved safety and inclusivity.
The team is also migrating to a new NEC system.
Further details on the committee's discussions can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on 02nd June 2026.
