Challenge 25 policy
Councils are currently granting licences for premises selling age-restricted goods, which will be subject to age verification policies.
Latest developments focus on councils granting licences for premises to sell alcohol, such as Wandsworth Council approving an alcohol licence for Duende Lab Limited in October 2026, and Richmond upon Thames Council granting a licence to Vape'z N Go in July 2026. These decisions often follow resident objections regarding potential nuisance or anti-social behaviour.
Other recent licensing decisions include Wandsworth Council granting a licence for an adult gaming centre in Putney High Street in July 2026, and Hammersmith and Fulham Council restricting alcohol sales in a restaurant garden in April 2026 due to noise concerns. These premises will operate under conditions related to the sale of age-restricted products.
The Challenge 25 policy requires retailers to ask for proof of age from anyone appearing to be under 25 years old when selling age-restricted goods, such as alcohol. While not explicitly detailed in recent licensing decisions, this policy forms a standard practice for premises granted licences to sell such products.
Key facts
- Wandsworth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee approved an alcohol licence for Duende Lab Limited in October 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Licensing Sub-Committee granted an alcohol licence for Vape'z N Go in July 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee granted a licence for an adult gaming centre on Putney High Street in July 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee granted a premises licence to Arianna Trattoria Romana with restrictions in April 2026. Source
- Hackney's Licensing Sub-Committee C granted a new premises licence to Batch Baby Ltd in August 2025. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.