Report attached

The Committee considered a report that sought approval that the draft Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003 be recommended to full Council.

The Committee noted that the Statement of Licensing Policy was reviewed every five years and a new one would need to be in place by January 2016.

The Committee further noted that the Council had undertaken statutory consultation between June and August 2015. The consultation had been carried out mainly via the internet.  All of the statutory consultees were consulted directly and information about the consultation was disseminated widely using the Licensing Matters e-mail bulletin, Business Briefing e-mail bulletin, a press release in the Romford Recorder, the Havering website and material sent to all local GP surgeries.

The consultation responses had been considered and a final draft version of the policy had been produced.

The Committee also noted positive the input of the joint Topic Group of the Towns and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee in developing the draft consultation document.

Members commended the Licensing and Health and Safety Divisional Manager and her team for the thorough exercise undertaken on the policy document.

The Committee RESOLVED:

To recommend that the revised Statement of Licensing Policy be submitted to full Council for approval.