Agenda and minutes

The Chairman to inform Members of the Public of the emergency evacuation procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mrs Keal, Mrs Cowling and Spencer.

The minutes of a meeting held on 25 March 2010 were presented.

Resolved

That the minutes of a meeting held on 25 March 2010 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive notice of any urgent business which the Chairman considers should be dealt with at the meeting as a matter of urgency by virtue of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Chairman reported that there were no items of urgent business to be considered.

Members to indicate whether they will be declaring any interests under the Code of Conduct.

Members making a declaration of interest at a meeting of a Committee or Council are required to disclose the existence and nature of that interest.  This requirement is not discharged by merely declaring a personal interest without further explanation.

No declarations of interest were received.

The Head of Environment submitted a report, which sought Members approval for a review of the Council’s Licensing Policy.

The Council’s current Licensing Policy was adopted by Council on 8 November 2007 and is now due for review. The report advised Members of the requirements to review the existing Licensing Policy.

The proposed consultation period for the review was 7 June to 30 August 2010 and the list of consultees included: -

• The chief officer of police for the licensing authority’s area,
• The fire authority for that area,
• Such persons as the licensing authority consider being representative of holders of premises licences issued by that authority,
• Such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of holders of club premises certificates issued by that authority,
• Such persons as the licensing authority considers to be representative of the holders of person licences issued by that authority,
• Such other persons as the licensing authority consider being representative of businesses and residents in its area.

Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 requires a licensing authority to prepare and publish a statement of its licensing policy every three years. During the three-year period, the policy must be kept under review and the licensing authority may make such revisions to it, as it considers appropriate. Where revisions are made, the licensing authority must publish a statement of revisions or the revised licensing statement. Before determining its policy for any three-year period, the local authority must consult the stakeholders listed above. In determining its policy the licensing authority shall have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

The determination of the Councils Licensing Policy must be made by Council and cannot be delegated to the Licensing Committee. The Council approved the existing Licensing Policy on 8 November 2007. The consultation draft has been amended so as to include a limited number of changes as a result of either new or amended regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The consultation period will allow for 12 weeks, with a view to reporting results of the consultation back to this Committee on the 23 September 2010 and approval of the Policy by Council on the 4 November 2010.

Resolved

That Members support the draft revision of the Council’s Licensing Policy for consultation.

There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 9.30 p.m.