IoL News

21 January 2026

Important update on booking Institute of Licensing events

We would like to share an important update regarding Institute of Licensing events and training bookings.

Minister signals support for mandatory taxi CCTV to curb grooming gang exploitation

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood has said she is open to making CCTV compulsory in taxis across England.

Government backs expert committee’s findings on new pet import protections

Defra has formally responded to the Animal Sentience Committee’s August 2025 letter assessing the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Private Members’.

MPs call for urgent reforms to tackle youth gambling harms

A cross‑party group of MPs has urged the Government to accelerate reforms to protect children from gambling‑related harm.

Bolt submits supplementary evidence to Transport Select Committee

Bolt says cross‑border private hire work is not inherently less safe in supplementary evidence to Transport Select Committee.

MPs warn gambling tax rises will fuel harmful illegal black market

MPs across parties warn that planned gambling duty hikes could accelerate the illegal online market, cut Treasury revenues and put thousands of jobs at risk.

MPs raise alarm over future of pubs

More than 500 pubs across the UK are expected to close this year, prompting warnings from MPs and industry leaders.

Leeds council calls on Government to close “licence transfer loophole”

Leeds City Council is urging urgent reform of the Licensing Act 2003, warning that a loophole is letting organised crime evade enforcement.

Home Office invites interest for Martyn’s Law guidance roundtables

The Home Office has opened a targeted call for participants to join a series of roundtable discussions that will help shape the forthcoming statutory guidance.

Fine imposed on taxi driver for working illegally at Henley Regatta

A taxi driver has been ordered to pay more than £2,000 and had eight penalty points added to his DVLA licence after illegally plying for hire at Henley Regatta.

Jobs and Opportunities

Licensing Jobs

Lead Licensing Officer – Dacorum Borough Council

Closing Date: 1st February 2026

Licensing Team Leader – West Lancashire Borough Council

Closing Date: 1st February 2026

Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer – South Gloucestershire Council

Closing Date: 25th January 2026

Click here to visit the IoL jobs page. To book your job advert, email the IoL team via jobs@instituteoflicensing.org.

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Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"

Francis Taylor Building is recognised by the independent legal directories as the leading set of barristers in the field of licensing. We advise and represent clients throughout the public and private sectors including local authorities, police forces, resident groups as well as the leading commercial operators and small businesses. Our objective is to provide an outstanding, modern, accessible and cost-effective service to all our clients whoever they may be.

FTB members will offer Institute of Licensing members a 10% reduction on their normal fees*.

(*This offer is limited to one instruction of chambers per instructing individual, firm or organisation. Fees must be agreed with Chambers' Clerks at the time of instructing).

Paterson's Licensing Acts

Paterson's Licensing Acts: Paterson's is the definitive reference work on licensing law in England and Wales, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date source for practitioners. In one volume, it gives a detailed and clear analysis of new and forthcoming changes in licensing law and incorporates all relevant legislation, regulations, orders, standard forms and precedents.

The accompanying CD-ROM is an easy-to-search version of the book, which also features historical materials no longer included in the print copy.

Order your copy with an exclusive 15% discount for Institute of Licensing members (IoL).

Cornerstone Barristers is a leading licensing set recognised by the legal directories. We are experts in all aspects of licensing law and advocacy, including alcohol, gambling, entertainment, sex and taxi law. We are friendly, approachable and provide outstanding client service.

Our members will offer a 10% discount to Institute of Licensing members. Please quote the code IoL2024 when you call our clerks to instruct one of our members.