Overview
- This week the dispute began when The Bull's Head sought a licence renewal and officers removed its seating, triggering a review that found The Bell & Crown and The City Barge also lacked pavement licences.
- Hounslow Council has agreed to let existing riverside furniture remain in place while the three pubs submit formal pavement-licence or licensing applications.
- Councillor Amy Croft said the council will process applications quickly, and reporters note The City Barge had not yet lodged its application at the time of the pause.
- The Metropolitan Police spoke informally to a pub-goer about his social-media posts and advised him about Section 162 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and the force says no arrest or criminal investigation followed.
- Under the Highways Act businesses must hold pavement licences to place tables on public towpaths, so the council’s temporary pause protects summer trade for now but leaves the long-term use of the riverside and pedestrian access unresolved.