Agenda item - Additional Information Relating to Annual Report of the Licensing Authority 2015

Report of the Acting Director of Public Health (copy attached)

7.1       The Committee considered a report of the Acting Director of Public Health which provided additional information relating to the licensing functions carried out by the city council during 2015.

7.2       At the Last meeting of the Committee held on 3 March 2016 the Committee had considered that it would be beneficial if Members could receive a further update report to their next scheduled meeting in June which provided detail behind the figures, for example, geographical spread and details of different types of operation and premises. The Public Health Licensing Lead, Jim Whitelegg, referred to details which had been provided setting out the numbers of applications received and processed, plus details of hearings which had taken place over the past two years, including in respect of those granted, refused and withdrawn.

7.3       Councillor Moonan noted that there had been an increase albeit small in the number of premises across the city and went on to state that against that back drop the planned training to which the Chair had referred would be timely.

7.4       Councillors Horan, the Deputy Chair and Wares concurred, whilst each application was considered on its individual merits, it was important to seek to ensure that the decision making process was consistent and that Members had a clear understanding of the circumstances which could constitute an exception to policy.

7.5       Councillor Gilbey sought clarification regarding the circumstances under which a licence was renewed and it was explained that a licence required renewal if there was a change of licence holders or variations were requested to the existing licence conditions. Only those licences where objections had been lodged were required to be determined by a Panel of members of the parent Committee.

7.6       RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the report; and

            (2) That officers should continue to monitor trends in respect of applications and illegal activity in order that this will inform future policy and to report back to the Committee on an annual basis.