Ealing Council is inviting your feedback on proposed updates to its licensing policy to boost the nighttime economy while keeping families safe.

The council has launched a consultation on a new draft licensing policy that details the criteria the council should consider when assessing applications for alcohol sales, entertainment, and late-night refreshments.

The policy is being revised to enhance public safety, prevent crime and disorder, and protect children from harm.

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Take part by 17 January 2025

The consultation is open until midday on Friday 17 January 2025.

Residents, local businesses, and other interested parties are encouraged to share their thoughts.

To take part visit the council’s consultation webpage to review the draft policy and complete the online survey.

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.

Ensure all submissions are sent by the deadline to be considered. For assistance, you can contact the licensing team at licensing@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 6655.

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In addition to public input, organizations such as the police, fire brigade, and current licence holders have been invited to share their perspectives.

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Cabinet Member for Decent Living Incomes, highlighted the significance of the licensing policy: "Our licensing policy is a vital tool in ensuring Ealing is a safe and welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. The updated policy reflects our commitment to fostering a vibrant and prosperous nighttime economy. I encourage all residents to review the proposed changes and share their feedback through the online survey."

Once the consultation closes, all feedback will be reviewed and considered in a report to the council’s licensing committee. The final decision on the updated policy will then be made by the council’s cabinet.

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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 in Ealing are for ‘off’ sales only and that has seen the strongest area of growth. An "off" sales only license business in the UK is a shop that is licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

The number of "on-sales" venues has decreased over the past five years.

According to the latest Crime Survey of England and Wales (April 2022 to March 2023), victims of violence reported that the offender was believed to have been drinking alcohol in 38% of all incidents.

Over a quarter of local spending and 17% of Ealing's population are employed in the evening and nighttime economy, including key 24-hour employers like Heathrow and Ealing Hospital. However, these sectors are not the issue—the concerns primarily lie with local shops.