Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services.

Endorsed the Council's revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

(The following urgent item was admitted in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972 given the need for the Cabinetl to consider the report prior to its submission to the Council)

With the assistance of a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Cabinet considered the results of consultation on the Council's revised Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003.

The Cabinet were acquainted with legislative changes that had taken place since the previous statement of licensing policy had been approved.  These included a mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers, allowing elected members of licensing authorities to become interested parties for the purposes of making representation and applying for reviews, re-classification of lap dancing clubs so that they require a sex establishment licence and new mandatory conditions in relation to the supply of alcohol.

Having been informed that the consultation had elicited little response and that the Licensing Committee had proposed that no change be made to the draft other than minor corrections, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  that the revised statement of licensing policy be endorsed for submission to the Council for approval.

To consider a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services on the outcome of the consultation on the draft Statement of Licensing Policy.

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Democratic and Central Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) inviting the Committee’s endorsement of a revised statement of licensing policy under the Licensing Act 2003 prior to its consideration by Cabinet and subsequent approval by the Council.

The Committee was reminded that following its approval by Council the second and existing statement had come into effect on 7th January 2008 for a period of three years.  Consequently the Council would need to review its policy and approve a new statement, having regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State, to come into effect on 7th January 2011.

The Committee was acquainted with the legislative changes that had taken place since the previous statement of licensing policy had been approved.  These included a mandatory code of practice for alcohol retailers,  allowing elected members of licensing authorities to become interested parties for the purposes of making representations and applying for reviews, re-classification of lap dancing clubs so that they required a sex establishment licence and new mandatory conditions in relation to the supply of alcohol.

A new draft statement modelled on the existing document, with changes made only where a conflict would arise with the updated guidance had been drawn up and distributed to all Members and comments had been invited from a wide variety of organisations.

Having been informed that the consultation had elicited little response, the Committee

  RESOLVED

  that the revised statement of licensing policy be endorsed for submission to Cabinet and subsequent approval by the

     Council.