Agenda item

The Committee considered a proposed draft of the Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 with a view to consultation, before the Licensing Committee would consider the final draft Policy, including any amendments arising from the consultation, for recommendation to Full Council in early 2021.

As the local Licensing Authority, the Council was required to prepare and publish a Licensing Policy at least every 5 years. The current Statement of Licensing Policy 2016-2021 was now due to be reviewed and updated. It was noted that the proposed draft policy reflected the Revised Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act, published in April 2018.

Before determination of the Statement of Licensing Policy the Council was required to consult on the revised policy by virtue of section 5 of the Licensing Act 2003. The consultation on the policy would last for a period of 6 weeks commencing on 28 October 2020.  An additional published supplement listed the proposed consultees which included the statutory consultees as listed in Section 5 (3) of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were advised that as part of the consultation all Ward Councillors would be invited to respond. Members of the Licensing Committee were invited to comment on the draft updated policy.

It was highlighted that the new proposed Statement of Policy included the current Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) and that there was a statutory requirement to consult on the CIP every three years to determine whether there was current evidence and support for the CIP to remain in place. The statutory consultees for the CIP were the same as for the Statement of Licensing Policy it was therefore proposed that both consultations would be carried out simultaneously.

RESOLVED that

                     I.        The contents of the agenda report be noted;

                    II.        The draft Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 be approved for consultation as per the agenda pack; and

                  III.        The requirements in respect of the Cumulative Impact Special Policy be noted.