Agenda and minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2011 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd June 2011 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no declarations of interest.

Report of the Licensing Manager

Members received the report of the Licensing Manager to seek their views on the proposed responses to the questions posed by the Home Office as part of the consultation on ‘dealing with the problems of late night drinking’ and approval to a response being submitted on behalf of Lancaster City Council. 

It was reported that, on 17^th January 2012, the Home Office had launched a consultation entitled ‘dealing with the problems of late night drinking’.  The consultation sought views about Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) and the late night levy, which were two measures in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 that would be implemented through the regulations in autumn 2012.  Responses were required by 12^th April 2012.

The measures would allow local authorities to charge a levy for late-night licences to contribute to the cost of extra policing, and extend Early Morning Restriction Orders (EMROs) to restrict the sale of alcohol and address specific problems caused by its late night supply to any time between midnight and 6.00 a.m.  An EMRO could only be applied to the whole or part of a local authority area if the Licensing Authority considered it appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.

It was reported that exemptions could apply if it was viewed that they would have a minimal effect on alcohol-related crime and disorder, for example hotels, cinemas and community venues.

Members considered the consultation document and proposed response, which were appended to the report, and commented in detail. 

It was proposed by Councillor Greenall and seconded by Councillor Ashworth:

“That the draft response prepared by officers to the Home Office Consultation on ‘dealing with the problems of late night drinking’ be endorsed and the Licensing Manager authorised to respond accordingly to the Home Office.”

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the proposition, whereupon the Chairman declared the proposal to be clearly carried.

Resolved:

That the draft response prepared by officers to the Home Office Consultation on ‘dealing with the problems of late night drinking’ be endorsed, and the Licensing Manager authorised to respond accordingly to the Home Office.