Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Planning and Public Protection (copy enclosed) updating members on the work of the Licensing Section during 2018.

RESOLVED that, subject to members’ comments, the contents of the report be noted.

The Public Protection Business Manager submitted a report (previously circulated) updating members on the work of the Licensing Section during 2018 which focused on both operational and management matters.

The report provided statistical data of the number of licences issued, complaints and service requests received covering the main functions – Alcohol and Entertainment; Hackney and Private Hire Licensing; Gambling, Gaming and Lotteries; Street Trading; Charity Collections and Scrap Metal together with other ancillary matters including data recording, performance and communications.  Management matters included reference to policies, fees, complaints against the service together with future workload considerations.  Officers elaborated on various aspects of the report and clarified particular issues in response to members’ questions thereon.

During debate the Public Protection Business Manager agreed to review the protocol for engaging local ward members where issues were identified within their specific areas to ensure it remained relevant and appropriate for licensing purposes.  In response to a question regarding food hygiene ratings officers confirmed that inspections were generally carried out every eighteen months but in the event of a poor rating the Council would re-inspect on request within three months for a fee.  Officers also elaborated upon the joint working taking place across service areas during inspections of licensed premises.

Members paid tribute to the hard work of the Licensing Team in raising standards and ensuring good practice across the various licensing functions and had been pleased to note the steps taken to document that work and ensure future monitoring of processes which would enable greater transparency.  The Committee asked that their thanks be conveyed to the Licensing Team and their appreciation be recorded within the minutes.  The Public Protection Business Manager thanked members for their support and agreed to convey their thanks back to the Licensing Team.  It was agreed to receive an annual report on the work of the Licensing Section.

RESOLVED that, subject to members’ comments, the contents of the report be noted.