Venue: Committee Room 5 - Civic Centre. View directions
Contact: Anisha Teji 01895 7655 or Email: ateji@hillingdon.gov.uk
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Peter Smallwood.
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Declarations of Interest in matters coming before this meeting Minutes: There were no declarations of interest.
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To agree the minutes from the meeting on 9 October 2024 Minutes: RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting on 9 October 2024.
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To agree the minutes from the meeting on 8 May 2025 Minutes: RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting on 8 May 2025.
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To confirm that the items of business marked Part 1 will be considered in public and that the items of business marked Part 2 in private Minutes: RESOLVED: That the Committee considered agenda item 6 - presentation from Animal Welfare in Part II as it contained information to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.
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Presentation from Animal Licensing & Animal Welfare Minutes: The Committee received a presentation on Animal Licensing and Welfare.
The presentation outlined the statutory and discretionary powers held by officers under various animal welfare and licensing legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and related regulations. The Committee was informed about the licensing framework for commercial activities involving animals, the application and inspection process, and the star rating system for licensed operators. Enforcement procedures, including penalties for non-compliance and investigatory channels for unlicensed operators, were described. Case studies illustrated enforcement in practice, such as the investigation into unlicensed dog breeding and the rescue of an abandoned pony. The presentation also highlighted the challenges faced by the team, including limited resources, complex legislation, and increasing public expectation.
Members asked a number of questions around regulation and enforcement and thanked officers for their attendance.
This item was considered in Part II as it contained information relating to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. That the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government [Access to Information] Act 1985 as amended).
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Statement of Licensing Policy (Policy Framework) Additional documents: Minutes: The Licensing Team Manager introduced the report on Statement of Licensing Policy Consultation.
The Committee was invited to comment on the proposed revisions, which were primarily administrative and aimed at improving clarity, efficiency, and customer service. No substantive changes to Council policy were proposed, with amendments mainly reflecting updated dates, team names, typographical corrections, and new sections on topics such as Environmental Best Practice, Counter Terrorism, Spiking, ‘Ask For Angela’, and Pavement Licensing. The Committee noted that the policy review was required by legislation and that the draft would be subject to formal consultation before final adoption by Full Council.
The Committee acknowledged the timetable for policy implementation and the benefits for residents in maintaining an effective licensing framework
In response to Member questions, officers confirmed that the 'Ask for Angela' initiative had been formally incorporated into the draft Statement of Licensing Policy as a key safeguarding measure. New applicants were being encouraged to adopt it, and existing licensed premises would be monitored for compliance. On improving operational efficiency, it was noted that collaborative working across internal teams and with responsible authorities was essential. While the policy may not directly address inter-agency relationships, regular meetings were held to discuss problematic premises and coordinate enforcement. The Committee was advised that the consultation had been underway for approximately two and a half weeks, with seven responses received, mainly from responsible authorities, and no substantive concerns raised. Feedback to date was largely technical and it was noted that contact had also been made with current licence holders for comment on the consultation.
The Committee enquired about the number of premises currently participating in the 'Ask for Angela' initiative and noted that men could also be victims of the associated safeguarding concerns. It was confirmed that relevant statistics were held by Police Licensing, and the Committee expressed support for including the male-focused aspect within the initiative.
The Committee noted that Temporary Event Notices (TENs) were not referenced in the report and queried whether the process had been reviewed. Although TENs were managed by the police, they were processed by the licensing team and governed by legislation. Each case was however assessed on their own merits.
The Committee noted that there were six gambling establishments in the Hayes Town area. Members considered that this number may be excessive and queried what options would be available should the government decide to amend relevant legislation, including the potential introduction of quotas.
RESOLVED: That the Committee considered the revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy and provided comments to be considered by Cabinet at the end of the consultation period.
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Legislative and Industry Update Minutes: The Committee received an update on recent legislative, case law and industry news update under the functions within its remit.
The Committee noted updates to statutory guidance under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, including provisions for off-sales, spiking prevention, and reinforcement of licensing objectives. The report summarised the work of the Licensing Taskforce, which had made priority recommendations for national consistency, licence modernisation, and reforms to pavement licensing and temporary event notices. The Committee was informed of the Greater London Authority’s proposal to devolve licensing powers and the development of a pilot scheme for strategic licensing reform. Updates on the Gambling Act 2005 included the introduction of the Gambling Levy Regulations, new stake limits for online slot games, and the formation of a local authority coalition advocating for greater control over gambling premises. Hillingdon Council’s recent motion to join this coalition was highlighted, reflecting its commitment to responsible regulation. No further legislative changes were reported in relation to sex establishment licences, scrap metal dealers, or street trading.
In terms of enforcement, licensing officers carried out proactive inspections and operated with a clear remit regarding the checks to be undertaken, including limits and labelling of gambling machines. These inspections were conducted in partnership with the Gambling Commission, whose officers provided specialist expertise. The teams jointly investigated complaints and allegations as part of their regulatory responsibilities.
The Committee requested a review of the history of gambling machines located airside at Heathrow Airport, with an update to be provided to Members. It was agreed that details regarding the number of legal cases initiated and completed within the past 24 months would be reported, along with information on any cases that may not have been captured. Over the last five years, the Licensing Sub-Committee had considered 55 applications.
The Committee acknowledged the mediation efforts undertaken to resolve matters prior to referral to the Licensing Sub-Committee and commended officers for their work.
RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the report.
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Committee Forward Planner Minutes: The Committee noted the Forward Planner as set out on the agenda.
RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the Forward Planner
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Ratification of Sub Committee Minutes Additional documents:
Minutes: Members were updated on recent Licensing Sub- Committee decisions since the last meeting and ratified the minutes of the recent sub – committees hearing.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee, with the agreement of any Members present at the following Sub-Committees that they are a correct record, ratified the minutes of the following meetings:
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