Meeting documents

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors W J Bendyshe Brown and Ms P L Lee.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2013 (previously circulated).

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on 14 March 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee considered a report on a review of the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

It was noted that the last review was undertaken in 2010, and in accordance with Section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council was required to review, prepare and publish the policy at least every five years following a full consultation process. Members were informed that the consultation process was required to be with those persons specified within the Act and any others seemed relevant by the Council.

The Committee noted that there had been some significant changes in licensing law since the last review was carried out in 2010 and it was considered necessary and appropriate for a further review to now be carried out. It was reported that the Government had recommended that the consultation process should be undertaken for a period of three months to enable sufficient time for those consulted to respond. As a result, the consultation process would therefore take place from July to September, in order for the consultation responses to be considered by the Licensing Committee at its meeting on 14 November.

Members were provided with a copy of the proposed draft policy for consultation, together with a summary of the main amendments to the policy.

RESOLVED: That the draft review of the Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003 be approved for a consultation exercise as required by Section 5 of the Act.

The Committee received a summary of the Licensing Panels that had taken place since the last meeting. The Chairman placed on record his thanks to those Members who had served on the Panels.

Members were reminded of the importance of ensuring that representations were made and received by the deadline. The Licensing Team Leader confirmed that notification was sent to Ward Members whenever an application was received. The Committee also noted that only people who had made a valid representation as part of the consultation process could speak at Licensing Panel hearings. 

The Committee was also reminded that any Members serving on a Panel should avoid speaking to other Members on the application in question.

The Licensing Team Leader also highlighted a training seminar to be held in the Council Chamber on 25 June which was aimed at providing a training opportunity for all parties involved in licensing hearings. Any Member interested in attending was asked to inform the Licensing Team Leader.

Members also noted a brief update on the White Cider Initiative.

RESOLVED: That the schedule of Licensing Panel Hearings since the previous meeting be noted.

The following information sheet is due for release prior to the meeting:

    1/2013   Disclosure of previous license history of Panel Hearings

The Committee received the information sheet 1/2013 relating to the disclosure of previous license history of Panel Hearings.

RESOLVED: That Information Sheet 1/2013 be noted.