Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Dominic Gilham, Janet Gardner, Lynne Allen and Jazz Dhillon.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record.

It was confirmed that the business marked public and private would be considered as set out on the agenda.

The Committee received an update on the review of the Licensing Act 2003 by a House of Lords Select Committee. It was noted that the Government had published their response which had been summarised by officers.

Members made the following key points:

·         They welcomed the Government’s rejection of the proposal to merge licensing functions with planning committees.

·         Concerns were expressed over the impact over any changes of responsibility for licenced premises air-side at Heathrow airport, which was currently not a Council function.

·         Understanding there was currently no “late night levy” on relevant licensed premises in Hillingdon, Members sought assurances on how the night time economy was policed and considered whether such a levy may need to be reviewed in the future.

RESOLVED: That the Government’s response be noted.

Members were aware of the recent Government consultation on proposed changes related to gaming machines and gambling social responsibility. The Committee had previously supported efforts by the Government to reduce the maximum stake on all Fixed Odd Betting Terminal machines.

Whilst welcoming the Cabinet Member’s response on behalf of the Council to the Government’s consultation, there was a consensus amongst Members that the Committee should have been engaged in the process beforehand.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the Council’s response.

An officer from the Anti-Social Behaviour & Environment Team attended to give an update to Members on actions and enforcement that the Council, with the Police, were undertaking to tackle ASB related to alcohol use, licensed premises and off-licences.

Street drinking hotspots had been identified with Fixed Penalty Notices being issued. Proactive work was also being undertaken by the Council and Police with premises when they plan for particular events.

Some Members mentioned the use of new cigarette columns, which had successfully reduced litter outside one particular underground station. Importantly, Members were of the view that a zero tolerance approach should be undertaken. They encouraged officers to further challenge transgressions by street traders onto the highway and better target specific areas. Members also sought more statistical data and trends on joint enforcement activity.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the update provided and request officers, with the Police, provide to a subsequent meeting a set of informative Borough-wide statistics and trends covering all Police and ASB licensing, street trading and street drinking related offences.

The Committee’s legal advisor briefed Members on the recent case law in relation to the Scotch Whisky Association’s (and others) recent challenge against minimum alcohol pricing in Scotland. Additionally, useful updates were given on the new Gambling Commission Strategy and recent measures implemented to tackle gambling advertising that appeals to children.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the information.

The Committee looked ahead at planned business.

RESOLVED: That the Committee note the Forward Planner.

Relevant Members of the Committee agreed the minutes of a previous Licensing Sub-Committee hearing as a correct record and the Committee then ratified the minutes of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

A:        That the Committee note the decisions of the Licensing Sub-Committees since the last Licensing Committee meeting and;

B:        That the Committee, and Members present at the following Sub-Committee, approve the minutes as a correct record:

a)    Licensing Sub-Committee 31 October 2017 (Part 1 & Part 2)

This item was considered privately in Part II as it contained information which revealed the identity of an individual and information relating to action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime. That the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 2 & 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government [Access to Information] Act 1985 as amended).

No other items were considered by the Committee.

The meeting closed at 11.04am.