Agenda and draft minutes

At this point Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

At this point in the meeting, Members are asked to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have in the business on the agenda.

Councillor Taylor declared a personal non-prejudicial interest as he works for a licensed premises.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd September 2010.

RESOLVED:             That the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd September 2010 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or an issue within the Committee’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00 pm on Thursday 18^th November 2010.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak under the Council’s Public Participation Scheme.

This report seeks Members support for the review of the Council’s Licensing Policy it advises of the consultation undertaken and of the amendments made as a result of changes to legislation and revised guidance. The report seeks a recommendation of full council  that the revised policy be approved.

[See also under Part A Minutes]

Members considered a report which sought their support for the review of the Council’s statement of licensing policy. It advised of the consultation undertaken and of the amendments made as a result of changes to legislation and revised guidance.

Officers outlined the report, in particular the changes in legislation and new government guidance which affect the policy.

Members made the following comments and suggested amendments:

Section 1.3 The General Approach to Licensing – addition of a paragraph to outline the importance of responsible drinking and health promotions.

Section 1.3.4 – Certain Members queried whether this section could be restructured to deal with open air eating and drinking in York. Planning and highways have strict control over how premises operate in York and some Members felt the pavement café culture should be encouraged rather than restricted. Officers advised that as the issue is also a planning and highways matter the licensing policy should not be amended at present.

Section 5 – Members pointed out that queuing had been addressed twice and queried whether one of the sections should be removed. Officers confirmed that both were required and were relevant to different aspects of the Licensing Policy.

Section 6 – Under 6.3 ‘City Centre Special Policy Statement’ paragraph 4 be amended to read as follows:

This area has been identified as requiring additional licensing controls to promote the licensing objectives due to the cumulative effect of the concentration of drink led, entertainment and late night refreshment premises on crime….

Under the ‘Effects of the Special Policy,’ Members queried number 7 which stated that no different policy will  apply in the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)  as opposed to the rest of the city in respect of applications to vary hours of operation. Members queried whether a different policy should apply, as the hours being applied for in the CIZ are usually later and are having a greater impact on the City than in other areas. Officers advised the Police would need to be consulted before amending the CIZ policy and advised a report addressing the issue would be brought to a future meeting. Members agreed to keep the current wording at present with a view to the issue being considered further at a future meeting.

Section 7 – The opening paragraph be amended to state In 2003 the Government…

Section 13 – Members commented that in relation to tourism, it was also important to balance the interests of residents.

Members requested that 13.6 be added to refer to health policy.

RECOMMENDED:That Council resolve to approve the draft statement of Licensing Policy, with the above amendments as suggested by the Gambling & Licensing Act Committee.¹

REASON:                  To reflect the result of consultation and meet legislative requirements.