Hounslow Council is considering changes to its alcohol licensing policy, potentially impacting businesses and residents across the borough.
The Licensing & General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday 08 July 2025 to discuss the Statement of Licensing Policy (SoLP) and associated Cumulative Impact Research. The current policy is set to expire in October 2025, and the council is required to review it every five years, as per the Licensing Act 2003.
The draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 builds upon changes implemented in 2020 and aims to strengthen the connection between licensing and other council initiatives, including the Hounslow Local Plan and Community Safety Strategy. Key changes include making the policy more concise and locally focused, adding new sections that reflect a wider range of council policies, and adding a richer and more detailed use of the Local Plan, with sections on each town centre.
Specifically, the updated policy includes new sections addressing drugs in licensed premises, spiking and welfare, outdoor and major events, agent of change principles, and film classifications. These additions, detailed in the overview of changes and amendments to the SoLP, aim to align the licensing policy with a broader range of the council's strategic objectives.
The committee is also considering whether to retain, modify, or remove the cumulative impact area, based on an updated research report and public consultation. The existing Cumulative Impact Assessment Research report covers three cumulative impact areas: Hounslow Town centre, Heston and Cranford. This assessment must be reviewed every three years and provides the evidence base to show where the cumulative impact of licensed premises has negatively affected the licensing objectives.
According to the Cumulative Impact Research Report, the Syon area at the eastern end of the Hounslow Town Centre Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) exhibits low levels of crime, anti-social behaviour, and street drinking. This has led to a consideration of its potential removal from the cumulative impact area. The report states, The Syon area at the eastern end of the Hounslow Town Centre CIA Area has little crime and ASB or street drinking hotspots. It is now quite different from the rest of the area and appears an anomaly.
The public consultation sought feedback on the revised draft Statement of Licensing Policy. The public reports pack indicated that respondents generally supported the draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 in achieving licensing objectives. However, opinions were divided regarding the continued support of the Cumulative Impact Assessment in meeting those objectives.
The draft Statement of Licensing Policy sets out the principles to be applied when considering licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003.
The Cumulative Impact Research Report states that cumulative impact is a proper matter that a licensing authority can consider under the Licensing Act 2003.
The Licensing & General Purposes Committee is expected to recommend the updated policy to the Borough Council for adoption.
