Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr John Morse and Cllr Lynne Allen.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 13 January 2015 were agreed as a correct record, though Members of the Committee requested an early update on the draft film policy being prepared, which officers agreed to provide.

Ms Waterford, Licensing Officer, updated Members on the changes to the Licensing Act 2003.  Members were briefed on the changes at the meeting of the full Licensing Committee in January 2015.  Members noted the changes to regulated entertainment which had taken effect on 6^th April 2015.

Ms Waterford informed Members that she would email Members a copy of the updated guidance.  Members questioned whether a personal licence could still be revoked.  Ms Waterford explained that only the court could order a revocation of a licence.  The legal advisor present informed the Committee that the system did not give power to the Local Authority.  Unfortunately the courts were not proactive in sharing information with Local Authorities for example, notifying them that someone who had a personal licence had been convicted.

The Chairman questioned the fee cost of The Community and Ancillary Sellers Notice (CAN).  Ms Waterford informed Members that it was up to the Council to set the fees.  It was further was explained that the CAN would last for 3 years and was in-between a premises licence and a Temporary Events Notice (TEN).  The Chairman requested that officers send a briefing note to all Councillors so that Members could inform community groups in their area.

Resolved -

1.    That the Committee note the information.

2.    That officers circulate a briefing note to all Members informing them of the changes to the Licensing Act 2003.

Ms Waterford, Licensing Officer, updated Members on the progress with the 'Reducing the Strength' initiative.  Members recalled the presentation given by Sgt Nick Davies at the Licensing Committee held on 13 January 2015.  Ms Waterford explained that further information had been requested from the Institute of Licensing to ascertain the impact of the scheme being implemented.  Members noted that a shopkeeper in Newcastle had challenged the scheme which had been imposed on shopkeepers.

The Chairman highlighted that Members did raise some concern with regards to labelling and whether the scheme would work.  Members would await further details of any potential scheme prior to implementation.

Resolved -

1.    That the Committee noted the information.

2.    That information is provided Members with further details of the proposed initiative.

Ms Waterford, Licensing Officer, informed Members that Officers would be carrying out a review of the following Policies during 2015/2016;

·         Street Trading & Markets

·         Licensing Act 2003 - Alcohol, Entertainment & Late Night Refreshment

·         Gambling Act 2005

Members questioned when they would be able to see the draft policies.  Officers informed the Committee that consultation would start in July 2015 and the final draft policy would be available by September 2015.  The Chairman informed Members that he expected them to feedback into the consultation.    

Resolved -

1.    That the Committee noted the information.

2.    That the draft policies are sent to Members of the Licensing Committee for comment.