Wandsworth Council is set to implement stricter guidelines for licensing hearings, aiming to streamline procedures and ensure fairness. The decision was made during a Licensing Committee meeting on 8 July 2025, where councillors approved amendments to the Licensing Committee and Licensing Sub-Committee Standing Orders and Procedure Rules.
The changes, intended to reflect existing practices and lessons learned, include a new deadline for submitting supplementary materials. This move aims to address issues caused by last-minute submissions of extensive documents, which have previously led to hearing adjournments. These often include large, complex documents, with one example cited during the meeting being a 70-page document submitted at the last minute.
Michael Flowers, Democratic Service Officer, explained that supplementary materials must now be submitted by 12:00 noon the day before a hearing. Anything after that is not accepted unless it's entirely agreed by the committee,
he stated, emphasising the goal of promoting transparency and fairness.
Councillor Ethan Brooks raised concerns about potential appeals if the committee refused to consider late information. Guy Bishop, legal advisor to the subcommittee, acknowledged this possibility, stating that refusing to consider new information could be used as grounds for an appeal, potentially citing conflicts with the Human Rights Act and the right to present evidence. He stressed that the primary aim is to encourage timely submissions for a fair hearing.
While the new rules aim to improve efficiency, some councillors voiced concerns about remote hearings. Councillor Tom Pridham argued that remote meetings do not provide the same opportunity for scrutiny as in-person hearings. Mr Flowers responded that applicants retain the right to request an in-person meeting, and he would work with the opposition speaker and the chair to find a balance.
Councillor Guy Humphries also worried that some applicants might not fully appreciate the impact of remote hearings on their case. Mr Flowers reassured him that an etiquette guide had been created for remote attendees.
Despite these concerns, Councillor Denise Paul pointed out that online meetings are widely used in courts and other industries, and she did not anticipate any problems. Councillor Sana Jafri, however, expressed a preference for face-to-face meetings, particularly for complex cases, a sentiment echoed by Councillor Rosemary Birchall, who valued the feel of the room
and the ease of collaboration in person.
Ultimately, the committee approved the amendments, signalling a commitment to modernising and improving the licensing process in Wandsworth. The full details of the meeting, including the reports pack and agenda, are available online.
