alcohol sales
Councils are currently considering new alcohol sales licences and variations to existing permissions, often addressing resident concerns.
Councils are currently considering new alcohol sales licences and variations to existing permissions, which allow the commercial transaction of alcoholic beverages. In August 2026, Hackney Council received an application from Circle 13, a new pétanque venue, seeking a licence for alcohol sales until 2am on weekends, which faces objections from residents concerned about potential noise disturbances.
This followed Tower Hamlets Licensing Sub Committee's decision in July 2026 to approve Holy Carrot restaurant's request for extended alcohol sales from 10 am daily and off-sales, also amending a condition for terrace customers. Earlier in March 2026, Westminster City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee (1) heard Aldi's application to begin alcohol sales from 7am on weekdays and vary other conditions at its Edgware Road store.
Also in March 2026, Sutton Council's Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence to Foodland for off-site alcohol sales between 8am and 11pm daily, despite objections from local residents and a nearby business owner. Lewisham's Licensing Sub Committee B is scheduled to discuss alcohol sales on October 6, 2026.
Key facts
- Hackney Council received an application from Circle 13 for alcohol sales until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays in August 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Licensing Sub Committee approved Holy Carrot restaurant's licence variation for extended alcohol sales from 10 am daily in July 2026. Source
- Aldi applied to Westminster City Council to begin alcohol sales from 7am on weekdays at its Edgware Road store in March 2026. Source
- Aldi's application also proposes increasing the ABV limit for specialist products from 5.5% to 6.5% in March 2026. Source
- Sutton Council's Licensing Sub-Committee granted Foodland a licence for off-site alcohol sales between 8am and 11pm daily in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.