The High Court has affirmed the legality of remote licensing hearings, a decision that will allow Hackney Council's Licensing Committee to continue conducting proceedings virtually. The ruling, stemming from the case of Walk Safe Security Services Ltd v London Borough of Lewisham, was formally noted by the Hackney Council Licensing Committee at its meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The decision to continue with remote hearings is subject to ensuring fairness to all parties involved, as stipulated by the High Court ruling. Hackney Council's Monitoring Officer has indicated that it is appropriate for licensing hearings to continue remotely, but this is contingent on the council actively considering any representations from individuals with the right to appear at a hearing. These representations should address concerns that remote arrangements might not be fair to all parties or could infringe upon the rights to a fair hearing under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
If the council concludes that remote arrangements would not be fair in a specific case, alternative arrangements must be considered. This safeguard aims to uphold the principles of justice and accessibility for all participants in the licensing process.
Further details on the committee's proceedings can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.