Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Darran Davies and Councillor Scott Farley.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting on 31 January 2024.

RESOLVED: That the Committee agreed the minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting on 9 May 2024.

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

The Committee received a presentation from UXBRIDGE BID which detailed the history of team, their purpose and different activities and projects undertaken.

Members heard that the function was business-led and community-minded, with a focus on improving the local area. It was noted that there were 341 BIDs across the country, representing over 135,000 businesses and generating significant income for reinvestment in local areas. The Committee then heard about the history of the BID in Uxbridge, which was established after an 18-month consultation period and a successful ballot in 2017. The BID aimed to make Uxbridge a better place to live, work and socialise. The BID operated on a five-year cycle, with the most recent ballot in 2022 resulting in a 97% vote in favor of continuing the BID.

The three main themes of the BID were highlighted namely a safer Uxbridge, a happier and more vibrant Uxbridge and a greener Uxbridge. Businesses within the town centre with a rateable value of more than £15,000 were required to pay a levy, which funded the BID's projects. Over the past two years, the BID had generated over £985,000 in income, which had been allocated to various projects.

The Committee heard about the different the marketing and events organised by the BID. There had been several successful events, including the Love Summer Festival, Pirate Fest, the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, and various themed days such as Valentine's Day, Easter Dino Day, and International Women's Day were highlighted to Members. The importance of community involvement and the positive impact of the BID's projects on the local area was emphasised.

Members expressed gratitude and appreciation for the efforts made in Uxbridge, highlighting the positive changes and the community's engagement.

In response to questions about publicising events, it was noted that various channels were used for promotion including social media, leaflets, posters and word of mouth.

Members raised concerns about domestic violence during the festive season and suggested increasing awareness and providing information on appropriate contacts. It was acknowledged that working closely with local organisations and using social channels to spread awareness was significant.

The Committee enquired about the Uxbridge BID’s experience in making licensing and trading licences applications to the Council. It was reported that there was a positive working relationship, and the team had been very helpful with assisting in all types of queries. The challenges of ensuring compliance with licensing regulations and the frustration when other organisations that did not follow the proper processes was explained to Members.

Uxbridge BID was thanked for their attendance and insightful presentation.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the presentation.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the Legislative and Industry Update.

The Licensing Team Manager introduced the report on the Statement of Gambling Policy Consultation.

The Committee noted that the Gambling Act 2005 regulated gambling in the UK, covering physical premises and online gambling. In accordance with the Gambling Act the Licensing Authority was required to review its statement of licensing policy every three years. The last review was in 2022 and the next implementation was due in early 2025. The formal consultation started on 12 September 2024 and will close on 25 October 2024.

Members heard that there were no significant changes in primary legislation, but updates in codes of practice and guidance. Minor amendments included sentence structure, terminology and updating responsible authorities' contacts.

Five new areas had been added: representations, direct marketing, duty to protect (Martin's Law), Think 25 and appeals.

It was reported that legal and corporate finance departments had made no objections and stakeholders like Gambling Aware and Lotteries Council had provided feedback with no adverse comments. The review aimed to strengthen the policy by addressing gaps and incorporating feedback. The final policy would be presented to Cabinet in due course.

The Committee acknowledged the changes and their impact. The importance of sharing information with residents and associations to ensure they were well-informed was emphasised.

Concerns were raised about online gambling and its prevention, noting the shift from physical premises to online platforms. Officers noted that the Gambling Commission was the main regulator for online gambling, but work was being done to establish closer links and providing information on their website. Members emphasised the focus on vulnerable people and the importance of safeguarding them.

The Committee stressed the importance of resident representation and encouraged them to come forward as part of the consultation.

RESOLVED: That the Committee considered the revisions to the Statement of Gambling Policy.

The Committee noted the Forward Planner as set out in the agenda.

Members considered that it would be interesting to hear from industry professionals and their experiences with applications. It was noted that Member training session had been arranged for 28 November 2024.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the Forward Planner.

That these reports and matters in Part 2 be declared as exempt from publication as they may involve the disclosure of information in accordance with Section 100(A) and paragraphs 1,2, 5 & 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 (A) to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), in that the report contains information relating to an individual, information likely to reveal the identity of an individual, information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings and information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.

Members were updated on recent Licensing Sub- Committee decisions since the last meeting and ratified the minutes of the recent sub – committees hearing.

RESOLVED: That the Committee ratified the minutes of the meetings listed in the report.