Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Josephine Barrett.

None.

Cllr Retter asked that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2012 be amended.  Cllr Retter was there in part of the meeting but not included on the attendee list.

Stephanie Waterford, Licensing Manager, updated Members on the Home Office Alcohol Strategy consultation which began on 28 November 2012 for a 10 week period.  The aim of the consultation was to tackle health and crime problems, often associated with alcohol consumption.

Officers had printed off examples of how the proposals for minimum unit pricing of alcohol would affect prices in real terms.  Officers explained to Members that the proposals were unlikely to affect responsible drinkers but would hit those with low incomes.

Members discussed the proposed minimum unit price for alcohol for England and Wales and noted the increase in price should the proposals be implemented.

Concerns and suggestions raised by the Committee included:

• The proposals were likely to affect people on low incomes
• Raising the price would not tackle the problems of society in general.
• Would encourage people to bulk buy more ‘deals’.
• Lack of community input into the proposals.
• Localism should be more prominent and Local Authorities should be trusted to make their own decisions.
• Local public houses would be at risk.
• The market should be allowed to determine and set prices according to demands.

Members noted that a brand of cider which was often drunk by street drinkers would dramatically increase in price.  Members discussed the effect the proposals could have on crime.  There was also suggestion that the black market may thrive due to the local proximity of Heathrow Airport.

Members discussed the proposed review of the mandatory licence conditions, but noted that that no firm proposals were included in the Government consultation document making it impossible to form an opinion either way. Members discussed various aspects of the consultation and agreed that more information needed to be given to ensure an informed decision is made by the Committee

Mrs Waterford explained to Members that there were various ways to tackle irresponsible drinking including the ‘proof of age’ campaign and irresponsible drink promotions. Further conditions could also be imposed through the review process where necessary.

Members noted the proposals on including the health needs and concerns of the area when considering cumulative impact zones. Members requested year on year data by area from both the hospital and the police to give a true indication of the problems caused by alcohol and which problems were more prominent, however this had not been successful.   Members agreed that the requested additional information would enable them to make an informed decision as individuals that represent their communities.  Members agreed that some joint up work between External Services Scrutiny Committee should take place.

Members discussed license conditions and suggested that license applications should be determined similarly to Planning Committees where by if all the relevant information was not present then the item should be deferred for a more thorough investigation.

Mrs Waterford explained that the some of the proposals were intended to reduce the burden on businesses for example there would be no legal obligation to publish public notices.  Members agreed that although this proposal would reduce legal obligation it would restrict residents from viewing what was happening in their area.

Following discussions Members agreed that Ms Waterford and Ms Soni would draft the response to the consultation highlighting the concerns of the Committee. 

Resolved:

1. the Committee noted the update; and
2. agreed that Ms Waterford and Ms Soni would draft the response to the consultation highlighting the concerns of the Committee.

Officers informed Members about the implementation of the 2013-2016 Gambling Policy.

Members discussed the Gambling Policy and noted that the policy was recommended for approval at the next Council meeting, 17 January 2013.  Members suggested petitioning the Secretary of State on some changes to the legislation to control saturation of gambling premises.  Members agreed that the item would be discussed further at the Council meeting, 17 January 2013.

The Committee noted the information provided to them in the update.

Resolved:

The Committee noted the update.

Officers gave Members an update on licensing statistics in the Borough, and informed Members that from January 2012 to December 2012 a total of 508 Temporary Event Notices had been granted under delegated authority. A total of 849 premises licences had been granted and 2488 personal licences.

Resolved:

The Committee noted the update.