Agenda item - Annual Report of the Licensing Authority 2018

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Agenda item

Annual Report of the Licensing Authority 2018

Report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods Communities and Housing (copy attached)

Decision:

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

 

(2) That officers continue to monitor trends of application and illegal activity to inform future policy

Minutes:

26.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities detailing the licensing and gambling functions carried out by the council during 2018. The report also sought to apprise members of local and national issues.

 

26.2    It was noted that that whilst there had been a marginal decrease in the number of applications made, however overall figures remained constant. In answer to questions it was explained that of the 18 new licences had been applied for in the CIZ, each had been considered on its individual merits and licences had only been granted in those instances where a compelling case for an exception to policy could be made. Councillor Wares stated that he was concerned that applications continued to be made for premises in the CIZ, bearing in mind that it had been identified as area where the sale of alcohol was at saturation point and the policies in place sought to control the supply of alcohol there. Councillor Page expressed the same concerns.

 

26.3    Councillor Page referred to ”Sensible on Strength” and it was explained that support and take-up for this across the city was strong and continued to grow.

 

26.4    Councillor Deane referred to the test purchasing that had taken place and to the failures which had been observed in relation to use of fruit machines/gambling machines by those who were underage asking whether a trend had been identified. It was explained that the majority of failures had occurred in public houses where it was possible that use could be less strictly monitored. In all instances where breaches had been identified, a warning letter was sent and follow up action taken to ensure compliance with the law. Officers were working very closely with the Gambling Commission.

 

26.5    RESOLVED - (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the report; and

 

(2) That officers continue to monitor trends of application and illegal activity to inform future policy

Supporting documents:

 


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