Hackney Council's Licensing Committee has agreed to establish five sub-committees that will operate without the requirement for political balance, a departure from the main committee's structure. This change aims to ensure flexibility, as the sub-committees' membership will depend on member availability rather than strict political representation.
The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, where the committee also formally noted its terms of reference and those of its newly formed sub-committees for the 2026/27 municipal year. Councillor Kwame Otiende was confirmed as the Chair and Councillor Nicholas Blincoe as the Vice Chair.
The five Licensing Sub-Committees (A-E) will be responsible for determining applications and reviews under various acts, including the Licensing Act 2003, the Gambling Act 2005, the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, and the London Local Authorities Act 1991. These sub-committees will promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
While the main Licensing Committee adheres to political balance rules, the sub-committees will not. This departure is intended to allow for greater flexibility, as membership will be drawn from the wider Licensing Committee based on availability. Each sub-committee will consist of three members.
Daytime hearings are scheduled for Sub-Committees D and E, with Sub-Committees A, B, and C holding evening meetings. This scheduling aims to accommodate different availabilities for applicants and interested parties.
To ensure fairness and prevent potential bias in decision-making, all committee members are required to undergo annual training, delivered at the first meeting of the Licensing Committee of the municipal year. New members will receive additional instruction from the Licensing and Corporate Lawyer before they can serve on sub-committees. This training is crucial given the quasi-judicial nature of licensing sub-committees.
The committee also noted that licensing hearings may continue to be held remotely, in line with a High Court ruling. However, this is subject to an obligation to consider any representations from any person with the right to appear, stating that such arrangements would not be fair or would interfere with the right to a fair hearing. If remote arrangements are deemed unfair in a specific case, alternative arrangements must be considered.
The terms of reference for the Licensing Committee and its sub-committees were formally noted, outlining their responsibilities in developing and monitoring the council's licensing functions. The quorum for each sub-committee will be two members, though the aim is to have three present.