New s.182 Guidance and London Strategic Licensing Policy

On Thursday 12 February, three significant, and closely connected, developments emerged in the licensing sphere, particularly for London.

The first was the publication of a Draft London Strategic Licensing Policy 2026–31 by the Mayor of London. The second was the release of an updated version of the statutory s.182 Guidance by the Home Office.

Notably, the revised s.182 Guidance includes the following new paragraph:

“1.19 In coming to a decision on individual licensing applications, licensing committees should have regard to relevant local plans and strategies – such as those relating to town planning, the night-time economy, or business support – provided these considerations are consistent with the licensing objectives and the authority’s published licensing policy. For example, licensing authorities in the area covered by the London Mayor should consider the London Plan 2021 which sets out a clear framework for the development of London over the next 20–25 years and the Mayor’s vision for Good Growth.”

Alongside this, the Mayor has published a Draft Strategic Licensing Policy which, if adopted, could reshape the licensing landscape across the capital.

These developments sit against the backdrop of proposed amendments to the Licensing Act 2003 contained in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords. The Bill is sponsored by Angela Rayner, who also used her speech at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, also on 12 February, to call for the creation of a UK “Minister for Nightlife.”

It was, in short, a very busy day for Licensing.

If enacted, the Bill would amend the Licensing Act 2003 to:

• Grant the Mayor the power to issue a London-wide Strategic Licensing Policy;
• Require all London licensing authorities to consult the Mayor when preparing or revising their own licensing policies;
• Add the Greater London Authority as a responsible authority for licensing purposes; and
• Introduce a new discretionary power enabling the Mayor to determine applications deemed to be of “strategic importance” after the relevant licensing authority has reached its decision.

The Draft Policy is now available, and the Mayor is seeking views from businesses, residents, and stakeholders across London.

A public consultation is openuntil Friday 27 March, offering an opportunity for interested parties to comment before the policy progresses further.