Law or policy

Licensing Act 2003

46 stories · discussed at 138 council meetings · 29 councils

Councils are currently deciding on premises licence applications and reviews, often adjusting conditions in response to resident concerns about public nuisance and crime.

Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a premises licence for Tesco Express in September 2026, restricting alcohol sales hours after resident objections. Similarly, Kensington and Chelsea Council granted a licence to Mother Mash Limited in September 2026, following objections about potential public nuisance. Waltham Forest Council also granted a licence to TBC Sheperds Bush in July 2026, urging the owner to liaise with neighbours on late-night issues.

In June 2026, Greenwich Licensing Review Sub-Committee revoked Café Raj's licence due to an illegal worker, and Westminster City Council suspended Food Works' licence in March 2026 over serious crime concerns. Looking ahead, Hammersmith and Fulham's Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider new licence applications and reviews on September 30, 2026, with further meetings planned in Islington, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, and Newham on October 1, 2026.

The Licensing Act 2003 governs the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment, with local councils acting as licensing authorities. Southwark Council approved its Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031 in March 2026, outlining how it manages these responsibilities. Hackney Council also agreed in June 2026 to establish five sub-committees to operate without political balance for flexibility.

Key facts

  1. Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted a licence for Tesco Express in September 2026, restricting alcohol sales hours. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Greenwich Licensing Review Sub-Committee revoked Café Raj's licence in June 2026 due to an illegal worker. Source
  3. Westminster City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee suspended Food Works' licence in March 2026 over serious crime concerns. Source
  4. Southwark Council approved its Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031 in March 2026. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Tesco Express on Whitton Road granted licence with reduced alcohol sales hours after resident objections Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel has granted a premises licence for Tesco Express on Whitton Road, but with significantly reduced hours for alcohol sales following numerous... Hounslow 23 September 2026
  2. Tesco Express alcohol licence bid sparks resident outcry A Tesco Express store in Hounslow will be permitted to sell alcohol, but with significantly reduced hours following an outcry from local residents. The Licensing Panel of... Hounslow 23 September 2026
  3. Rump Steak granted licence with strict conditions A new restaurant, Rump Steak, has been granted a licence to operate on Lancaster Road, W11, but with a raft of strict conditions attached. The decision was made by the... Kensington and Chelsea 25 July 2026
  4. Pub Owner Urged to Liaise with Neighbours on Late-Night Issues A Walthamstow pub owner has been urged to work more closely with neighbouring businesses and residents to address late-night issues, following a decision by Waltham Forest... Waltham Forest 24 July 2026
  5. New Pub Licence Granted Despite Resident Concerns Waltham Forest Council has granted a new pub licence for TBC Sheperds Bush, located at 395 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, despite significant concerns raised by local residents... Waltham Forest 24 July 2026
  6. Waltham Forest Council Refuses Licence Variation for Endri's Due to Nuisance Fears A bid to extend the operating hours and alcohol sales at Endri's, a premises on Wood Street, Walthamstow, has been refused by Waltham Forest Council's Licensing Act 2003... Waltham Forest 13 July 2026
  7. Café Raj Licence Revoked Over Illegal Worker Café Raj, a restaurant in Eltham, has had its premises licence revoked by the Greenwich Licensing Review Sub-Committee following the discovery of an illegal worker. The decision... Greenwich 10 June 2026
  8. Licensing Sub-Committees to Operate Without Political Balance 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... Hackney 7 June 2026