Licensing Changes Proposed for Nighttime Economy Boost
Consultation being held by Ealing Council on draft policy
Feedback can be given on new policy until 17 January
December 26, 2024
Ealing Council is proposing some changes to its licensing policy which it says will provide a boost to the local nighttime economy.
It is holding a consultation on the new draft policy which determines how the council considers applications for businesses to sell alcohol, provide entertainment, and offer late night refreshments.
It says the policy is being updated to help prevent crime and disorder, promote public safety, and keep children away from harm. The survey includes questions on the Special Policy Areas currently operated by the council and the core hours during which licensing restrictions apply.
There were 1,175 licenced premises in the borough of Ealing as of 1 April 2024 which is 11% up since the policy was last reviewed five years ago. Over half the licences are for ‘off’ sales only and that has seen the strongest area of growth. The number of ‘on’ sales venues has fallen over the past five years.
Over a quarter of local spending is made and 17% of Ealing’s population work in the evening and nighttime economy, including at major 24-hour employers such as Heathrow and Ealing Hospital. London’s evening and nighttime economy is projected to grow by £2 billion a year up to 2029.
A report into Ealing’s nighttime economy produced this September makes a number of recommendations including enabling evening markets, delivering a communications campaign to highlight the borough’s offer after 6pm, ranging from local restaurants through to art exhibition and introducing a ‘night test’ to try to ensure major public realm schemes positively impact Ealing’s economy after 6pm.
The council is encouraging any interested parties, including residents and local businesses, to have their say on, which also considers how selling alcohol might influence nuisances and crime.
A number of agencies and associations – including the police, fire brigade, and licence holders – have also been invited to complete the survey.
To find out more and give your views, visit the consultation webpage and complete the survey by midday on Friday 17 January 2025.
You can also submit your opinions by emailing licensing@ealing.gov.uk or by post: Licensing Team, Ealing Council, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, W5 2HL.
If you need help with your submission, you can email the licensing team or call 020 8825 6655.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes said, “Our licensing policy is an important tool for making Ealing a safe and welcoming place for both residents and visitors to enjoy. Our updated policy will help us realise our ambitions for a vibrant and prosperous nighttime economy. I would encourage all residents to read the updated policy and let us know what they think by completing the online survey.”
Feedback from responses will be considered ahead of a report to the council’s licensing committee and then the council’s cabinet, for final agreement of the new policy.
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