Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 May 2015, and to authorise the Chairman to sign them.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 May 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Committee is to receive a presentation.

At the request of the Chairman, the Committee received a presentation on a recent visit to the borough by Police Officers from the Central Licensing Team (CLT) regarding the Night Time Economy.

The presentation outlined the CLT Licensing Framework - 5E Model that borough licensing units generally implemented.

The Committee noted that following the visit to Havering, the CLT was able to provide a positive picture of the night time economy in the borough.

It was noted that the widespread implementation of IDSCAN had helped to curb the presence of known trouble-makers from Romford entertainment establishments. Members noted that Havering was being held up as a beacon in this work.

The Police presentation also informed the Committee that as a result of the positive and collaborative work by the local licensing unit with other Licensing Authorities, the borough had recorded a significant reduction in violence with injury crime.

The presentation also acknowledged the robust and reliable decision making of the Licensing Sub-Committee.

The Committee noted the presentation and commended the Police CLT officers for taking the time to share their experience of Havering with them.

Report attached

The Committee considered a report that sought approval to consult on the draft new Havering Statement of Gambling Policy for the Gambling Act 2005.

The report detailed that it was a requirement of section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 for the Licensing Authority to prepare and publish a Statement of Gambling Policy that was proposed to apply in exercising the functions under the Act during the three year period to which the policy applied.

The Committee was informed that the council must consult on the draft policy before the final version was approved by full Council. It was proposed that the consultation be aimed at a wider audience not only all responsible authorities and current licensees and their representative bodies but also members of the public who may comment through the internet. It was proposed that a one month consultation period starting on 30 September 2015 and finishing on 31 October 2015.

The Committee RESOVED:

To note the details of the report and agreed that the draft Statement of Gambling Policy be subject to a public consultation.

The Committee is to receive a presentation.

The Committee received a brief update on the recently concluded Statement of Licensing Policy consultation.

The Committee was informed that the level of response received was quite low despite the wide publicity for the exercise of the consultation.

Members noted that nine responses were received via survey monkey and a further four responses by e-mails. These responses were from a range of people including responsible authorities, businesses and members of the public.

The Committee was informed that the respondents agreed that the policy was simpler and more helpful to applicants and generally agreed with the proposed special policy areas.

However Regeneration Services was of the opinion that the inclusion of all licences in the special policy areas of Romford and St Andrews ward was too restrictive to attract potential business to the area. Following discussions with the Lead Member it was proposed to amend the areas to consider application for restaurants where sale of alcohol would be ancillary to taking a meal at the premises.

The Committee noted the update.

The Committee is to receive a presentation.

The Committee received an update on recent changes to Legislation affecting Licensing:

That Committee was informed that the Deregulation Act 2015 had made the following changes to the Licensing Act 2003:

·         From the 1 April 2015 the requirement to renew personal licences had been abolished.

·         The limit on the number of temporary events that could be held at a premises would increase from 12 to 15 per calendar year from 1Jan 2016.

·         The requirement to report lost or stolen premises licences to the Police before applying for duplicates had been removed as of 26 May 2015.