Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests in the items under consideration and in doing so state:

(1) the type of interest concerned; and

(2) the nature of the interest concerned

If any member requires advice on declarations of interests, they are advised to contact the Head of Democratic Governance in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest on this occasion.

To agree the minutes of the last meeting held on 26^th June 2014 as a true and correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 26^th June 2014 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider the interim report of the Night Time Economy Working Group.

The Committee considered the interim report of the Night Time Economy Working Group.

It noted as outlined in the report the Working Group had not been able to report back fully within the previously agreed timescales so had submitted an interim report and it was the intention now to issue the final report in February.

The Committee held a discussion on the key issues identified and agreed to further explore them when the final report was issued.

Resolved:

To note the  contents of the interim report of the Night Time Economy Working Group.

To consider whether to undertake a formal consultation process on the revised draft Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Committee considered a draft statement of Licensing Policy.

Mrs Davies introduced the draft policy and explained that the draft policy had been developed taking into account good practice from other local authorities. Key proposed changes included the highlighting of good practice, the introduction of a framework of hours, the extension of the town centre saturation area to cover take aways and a confirmation that the saturation policy will only be overridden in exceptional circumstances.

The Committee noted that the policy had a number of requirements for statutory consultation and also agreed that in line with the Secretary of State’s guidance as wide a consultation as possible should take place.

Resolved:

To approve the content of the draft policy for consultation and authorise a 12 week consultation period on the draft policy.