Alcohol Licensing – March 2026 Updater (England & Wales)

1. What’s New This Month?

Digital Age Verification (DVS) is advancing towards secondary legislation, with the Home Office shaping rules allowing certified digital identity providers to replace or supplement physical ID checks.  This work includes assurance on fraud controls, data security and identity confidence levels.

Government licensing reforms continue to dominate the national debate, with proposals including a National Licensing Policy Framework, a new “economic growth” licensing objective, and potential weakening of cumulative impact policies.  Researchers continue to warn these reforms shift power from local authorities to central government.

Revised Section 182 Guidance (February 2026) has now been published, clarifying expectations on local plan alignment, spiking, off‑sales easement, and case‑by‑case decision‑making.

Local authority licensing policy reviews continue nationwide, including Isles of Scilly, Ceredigion, Guildford and Kensington & Chelsea, as councils finalise their 2026–2031 Statements of Licensing.

2. Legislative & National Policy Developments

2.1 Digital Age Verification (DVS) – Home Office Progress

The Home Office is actively shaping secondary legislation that would allow Digital Verification Services to serve as a recognised form of alcohol age verification. Work focuses on:

Fraud prevention and data integrity

Ensuring “medium level of confidence” digital identity standards

Industry alignment with the UK Digital Identity & Attributes Trust Framework

So: What’s the Impact for Operators?:

• Reduced conflict risk at the point of sale
• Faster ID checks for bars, pubs, supermarkets and delivery drivers
• Likely new training and compliance expectations when formalised

2.2 Government Licensing Reform Programme – Ongoing Debate

Government proposals to “streamline and modernise” licensing continue to spark intense debate.  Key elements include:

1. A National Licensing Policy Framework shifting decision‑making towards central government
2. A proposed fifth licensing objective: Promotion of Economic Growth
3. Concerns that cumulative impact policies may be weakened

However, Public Health bodies warn these reforms could:

• Reduce local democratic oversight
• Undermine community protections
• Prioritise economic interests over licensing objectives

2.3 Revised Section 182 Guidance – February 2026 Update

The Home Office issued updated statutory guidance on 12 February 2026, with significant changes:

1. New emphasis on local plans/strategies when determining applications
2. Expanded advice on spiking
3. Updated guidance following extension of the off‑sales easement
4. Reinforced requirement to consider case‑by‑case circumstances for other licensable activities.

NB This guidance is now operative and should be used in all hearings, decisions and operator compliance planning.

3. Local Licensing Policy Developments

3.1 Isles of Scilly – Licensing Policy Review (2026–2031)

Council consultation closed on 27 February 2026.  Stakeholders were invited to provide input, and we look forward to the outcome.

3.2 Guildford Borough Council – Policy Update Underway

Draft 2026–2031 statement emphasises sustainability, balanced decision‑making and firm adherence to the four Licensing Objectives.

3.3 Ceredigion – Policy Approved (22 January 2026)

Ceredigion approved its revised 2026–2031 Statement of Licensing Policy, with notable changes including:

• Greater emphasis on personal safety and vulnerability
• New references to Martyn’s Law, recycling duties, proxy sales and employment of children
• Additions covering large‑scale events, DPS expectations and beer gardens
• A new pool of model conditions were also added.

3.4 Kensington & Chelsea – Consultation Open

The proposed 2026–2031 policy emphasises:

• Protection of women and girls
• Staff vulnerability training
• Requirements arising from Martyn’s Law (2025)
• Balancing night‑time economy growth with resident protection.

4. Other Relevant National Context (Background but Still Active)

NB None of the following are new within the last two weeks but remain influential.

The Ongoing debate continues about the Licensing Taskforce and its proposals to increase TEN limits, reform outdoor area permissions, introduce a licensing “amnesty”, and reduce administrative burdens.

There is continuing criticism from health organisations of the government’s “fast‑track reform” approach.

5. Actions for Operators (Next 2–4 Weeks)

Please review your Digital Age Verification Readiness

• Audit your current ID‑checking Standard Operating Procedures
• Assess training needs for digital ID acceptance when legislation lands
• Engage with Point of Sale suppliers regarding integration

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