Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) informing members of the progress with regard to the review of the current street trading policy within Denbighshire.

RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee –

(a)       authorise officers to continue work on the draft Street Trading Policy, taking into consideration any relevant forthcoming legislation which could impact on the regulation of street trading as drafted by the UK Government, and

(b)       authorise officers to consult on a draft policy, and taking into account any representations received, produce a final draft for members’ consideration at their meeting in March 2017.

The Licensing Officer (JT) submitted a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (previously circulated) informing members of progress with regard to the review of the current street trading policy within Denbighshire.

Officers provided some background to the current operation of the street trading regime which was being reviewed in order to address difficulties in the system and better regulate and support street trading within the county.  The definition of street trading had been detailed within the report together with legal exemptions for certain types of trade and those regulated by other means or authorities.  Members’ views were sought on an initial draft (attached to the report) and officers intended to continue work on the draft, taking into account any new legislative requirements, prior to production of a final draft strategy for public consultation and subsequent consideration by the committee.

Discussion on the policy issues included the following –

·         the proposal to introduce a system of “temporary block consents” as detailed in paragraph 4.3.3 of the report was fully supported by Councillor Barry Mellor in order to make it easier for organisers of community events and encourage attendance

·         reference was made to the prohibited streets for street trading purposes in Rhyl and Prestatyn and officers confirmed that part of the review would include whether any change to the current system of prohibited and consent streets would be appropriate taking into account the different areas within the county in order to allow more flexibility within the scheme

·         it was noted that Councillor Bill Cowie had been nominated the committee’s liaison on development of the draft policy and officers confirmed that they would welcome his input in further developing the final draft – Councillor Cowie commended the work to date on the initial draft and supported officers continued work on the review as set out within the report.

Members queried whether or not the regulation of particular activities causing concern fell within the remit of street trading including parking permits issued to contractors working within town centres (which had caused some dissent in Rhyl Town Centre) and rogue traders operating from vehicles, particularly in rural areas.  Officers advised that both issues fell outside of the street trading regime.  Parking permits were authorised by Highways Street Works Section and the Chair asked that members take up any concerns in that regard directly with the Head of Highways.  With regard to rogue traders members should direct concerns to the Trading Standards Section for investigation.

RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee –

(a)       authorise officers to continue work on the draft Street Trading Policy taking into consideration any relevant forthcoming legislation which could impact on the regulation of street trading as drafted by the UK Government, and

(b)       authorise officers to consult on a draft policy, and taking into account any representations received, produce a final draft for members’ consideration at their meeting in March 2017.