Issue

Licensing objectives

34 stories · discussed at 139 council meetings · 29 councils

Councils are currently deciding on premises licences, balancing business operations with concerns about public nuisance, crime, and public safety.

Councils are frequently addressing concerns about public nuisance and crime prevention when considering licence applications. In October 2026, Morley's in Tower Hamlets faced strong opposition to its late licence bid over noise and nuisance. Lewisham Council granted a licence for The Railway Tavern in October 2026 but refused a Designated Premises Supervisor, meaning it cannot trade until this operational requirement is met. In September 2026, Hounslow Council reduced alcohol sales hours for Tesco Express due to resident objections, and revoked Kinsley Super Store's licence for failing to prevent crime.

Public safety and preventing disorder remain key considerations, particularly for events and alcohol sales. Kensington and Chelsea Council rejected several bids to sell alcohol during Notting Hill Carnival in August 2026, citing concerns over crime, disorder, and public safety. Licensing sub-committees in Kensington and Chelsea, Hackney, Brent, and Newham are scheduled to hold meetings in October 2026 to consider further licensing matters.

Licensing objectives are the core principles that councils must consider when determining applications for premises licences. These typically include the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Councils apply these objectives when deciding on new licences, variations, or reviews of existing licences for various premises.

Key facts

  1. Lewisham Council granted a premises licence for The Railway Tavern in October 2026 but refused to appoint a Designated Premises Supervisor. Source
  2. Morley's fast-food outlet in Tower Hamlets faced strong objections in October 2026 regarding its application to extend late-night refreshment hours. Source
  3. Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel granted Tesco Express on Whitton Road a licence in September 2026 with reduced alcohol sales hours. Source
  4. Hounslow Licensing Panel revoked Kinsley Super Store's licence in September 2026 after illicit goods were found. Source
  5. Kensington and Chelsea Council rejected multiple Temporary Event Notices for alcohol sales during Notting Hill Carnival in August 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
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 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 4

  1. New off-licence approved for Fife Road despite resident concerns A new off-licence has been approved for 25A Fife Road, Kingston upon Thames, despite significant objections from local residents concerned about crime, disorder, and public... Kingston upon Thames 23 June 2026
  2. Holland Park restaurant wins licence variation despite resident fears A Holland Park restaurant has been granted a variation to its licence, allowing for the sale of alcohol on the premises and extended operating hours, following extensive... Kensington and Chelsea 20 June 2026
  3. 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
  4. Hackney Council Establishes Five Licensing Sub-Committees Hackney Council has established five new Licensing Sub-Committees to handle a range of licensing and gambling applications for the upcoming municipal year. Hackney 7 June 2026
  5. Drink Cellar licence transfer and DPS variation refused Havering Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has refused a bid to transfer the premises licence and vary the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) for The Drink Cellar in Romford.... Havering 9 April 2026
  6. Havering Council revokes licence for The Drink Cellar Havering Council has revoked the premises licence for The Drink Cellar, located at 59 Chippenham Road, Romford. The decision, made by the Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday,... Havering 9 April 2026
  7. Macan Lounge licence revoked after repeated breaches Lambeth Council has revoked the premises licence for Macan Lounge following repeated breaches of licensing objectives, including those related to public safety and public... Lambeth 15 March 2026
  8. Wandle Park Cafe Seeks Alcohol, Music, and Dance Licence Wandle Park Cafe has been granted a premises licence to sell alcohol, host live music, and allow dancing, according to documents from a Croydon Licensing Committee meeting held... Croydon 7 December 2025