IoL News

24 September 2025

Institute of Licensing calls for urgent reform of taxi and private hire licensing

The Institute of Licensing (IoL) has submitted evidence to the Transport Committee’s inquiry into taxi and private hire licensing.

Government highlights importance of efficient taxi and PHV licensing across England

DfT responds to parliamentary questions regarding the variation in licensing processing times across local authorities in England.

Introduction of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill

The Government has introduced the Public Office (Accountability) Bill—commonly referred to as the Hillsborough Law.

Sentencing bill sparks debate over driving bans and taxi licensing reform

Calls for tougher penalties on dangerous drivers reignite scrutiny of taxi licensing standards.

New research on consumer behaviours in the illegal gambling market

The Gambling Commission has published the first in a series of reports examining the illegal online gambling market in Great Britain.

Visitor levy to support tourism becomes law in Wales

The Visitor Levy Bill has received Royal Assent from His Majesty The King.

Hundreds of modern slavery victims found working in UK bars, hotels, and licensed venues, charity warns

A leading anti-slavery charity has raised alarm over the growing number of modern slavery victims working in licensed hospitality venues.

Torquay security officer and boss convicted for working unlicensed

The city’s licensing committee has rejected an application for a private hire driver’s licence following an objection from the police.

Glasgow licensing committee refuses private hire application following criminal conviction

The city’s licensing committee has rejected an application for a private hire driver’s licence following an objection from the police.

Stafford Borough Council lifts white-only taxi rule

Stafford Borough Council has approved changes to its taxi licensing policy, removing the long-standing requirement that all hackney carriage vehicles be white.

Wolverhampton Councillor calls for reform of National Taxi Licensing Framework

Councillor Simon Bennett on Wolverhampton Council, has called for urgent reform of the national taxi and private hire licensing system.

Jobs and Opportunities

Licensing Enforcement Officer – Spelthorne Borough Council

Closing date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Section Leader – Licensing (Fixed Term) – City of Wolverhampton Council

Closing Date 28th September 2025

Licensing Officer – Luton Council

Closing Date 28th September 2025

Senior Licensing Officer – East Cambridgeshire District Council

Closing Date 30th September 2025

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

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 2025

Paterson's Licensing Acts 2025: 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.

McGowan on Alcohol Licensing Law in Scotland

2nd Edition

The indispensable practitioner’s guide to the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 and alcohol licensing law in Scotland

IoL Member discount: Save 30%

Visit https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book/9781474473910 and use the discount code: IOL30

View jobs

Join Us

Make IoL YOUR Professional Body

01749 987 333

Email us