Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Beynon, Cessford, Ferguson, Nisbet. And Parry. 

Minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee, held on Tuesday 24 August 2021, as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the meeting of the Licensing Committee held on Tuesday 24 August 2021, as circulated be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair. 

(1)Statement of Licensing Policy 

To advise Members of a proposed consultation regarding the Statement of Licensing Policy. 

1.             Statement of Licensing Policy 

Members were advised that licensing authorities were required to prepare and publish a statement of its licensing policy every 5 years and under obligation to reconsult on policy statements every 5 years. 

The policy was scheduled to be revisited in 2020, but due to the impact of Covid restrictions, it had been impossible to adequately progress with the consultation. 

Under the circumstances, the Home Office had agreed that the process could be extended.  

Consultation with the trade had taken place last year and the responses received were within the report documentation.  General amendments had been made to the policy to update it in relation to changes on legislation and guidance. 

If members approved the document in its revised form, approval would be sought from full Council. 

Comments were raised in relation to parish and town councils not being consulted on, the consultation timescale and the Pubwatch Scheme. 

It was explained the Council did not have a statutory function to consult with parish and town councils and the legislation of the Licensing Act was clear that the Council would be acting beyond its authority to do so. 

Consultation had been carried out following guidance set out by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. 

The Pubwatch Scheme was operated by Northumbria Police, which the Council supported.  The Council had a strong working relationship with licensed premises and the police, particularly where there was greater grounds for concern. 

The recommendations set out in the report were proposed by Councillor Hutchinson and seconded by Councillor Hardy and unanimously agreed.   

RESOLVED that:- 

1.The outcome of the consultation exercise be noted and the content of the report and proposed amendments or revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy be agreed. 

2.The revised Statement of Licensing Policy be adopted for the period  

2022 – 2027. 

The date of the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 27 April, 2022.

RESOLVED that the next meeting of the Licensing Committee will be held on Wednesday 27 April 2022.