High Court: Policy Departure

Today the High Court handed down its judgement in Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council v West & Central Magistrates Court & Others [2024] EWHC 3356 (Admin).  It concerned an appeal against a licensing authority decision, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, to refuse renewal of private hire vehicle licences, due to age limits, pursuant to policy.  Effectively, it addressed the approach to be taken on departures, when it is appropriate, from licensing policy.  The appeal was dismissed.