Agenda and minutes

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for the 2018/2019 municipal year.

The Chairman requested nominations for the position of Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Act Committee for the municipal year 2018/19.

It was proposed by Councillor Metcalfe and seconded by Councillor Denwood:

“That Councillor Cozler be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Act Committee for the municipal year 2018/19.”

There being no further nominations, the Chairman declared the proposal to be carried.

Resolved:

That Councillor Cozler be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Act Committee for the municipal year 2018/19.

Minutes of meeting held on 30 November 2017 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30 November 2017 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.)

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B, Section 2 of the Code of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations of interest.

The following report is not for publication because it contains confidential information and will be considered whilst the public are excluded from the meeting.  The licence holder has been invited to attend and/or be represented at the meeting, but will be asked to leave whilst the committee makes the decision, as exempt legal advice may be given. 

Members are advised that, in accordance with Section 100A(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public should be excluded for the following item of business on the ground that it could include the possible disclosure of confidential information.

In accordance with Section 100A(2) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded for the following item of business because it could include the possible disclosure of confidential information.

Report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer

The Committee received the report of the Licensing Enforcement Officer to enable Members to determine whether or not to revoke a personal licence under Section 132A of the Licensing Act 2003 held by Mrs. Sarah Kirke, following the receipt of relevant information.

Details of the individual case and the Chairman’s summary of the decision are set out in Confidential Minute No. 6, in accordance with Section 100A(2) of the Local Government Act 1972

Decision of the Committee:

(1)        That Mrs. Kirke’s personal alcohol licence be revoked.

(2)       That power to revoke a personal licence under Section 132A of the Licensing Act 2003 be delegated to the Licensing Manager where no representations have been made by the licence holder within the 28-day statutory period.

(3)        That a briefing note be provided to Committee members, which sets out proposals to identify when false information is given in licensing applications.

Report of the Principal Licensing Officer

The Committee received the report of the Principal Licensing Officer to enable the Committee to make arrangements for the chairing of Licensing Act Sub-Committees for the municipal year 2018/19 and to decide how many and which Members to appoint to chair the sub-committees.

It was proposed by Councillor Cozler and seconded by Councillor Scott that there be a total of five Chairmen of the ad hoc Licensing Act Sub-Committees in 2018/19, comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Act Committee and three named Members, and that each ad hoc Sub-Committee include one of these five Members, who acts as Chairman.

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

The Chairman requested nominations for three other Chairmen of the ad hoc Sub-Committees. 

It was proposed by Councillor Cozler and seconded by Councillor Scott that the other three Chairmen of the ad hoc Sub-Committees be Councillors Frea, Guilding and Wilkinson.

There being no further nominations, the Chairman declared the proposal to be carried.

Resolved:

(1)        That there be a total of five Chairmen of the ad hoc Licensing Act Sub-Committees in 2018/19, comprising the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Licensing Act Committee and three other named Members, and that each ad hoc Sub-Committee includes one of these five Members, who acts as Chairman.  

(2)        That the other three Chairmen of the ad hoc Sub-Committees be Councillors Frea, Guilding and Wilkinson.

Report of the Principal Licensing Officer

The Committee received the report of the Principal Licensing Officer to inform Members of the Drinkaware Scheme.

Members were advised that the Drinkaware Crew were trained staff who worked in clubs and venues to help support the welfare and wellbeing of young people on a night out.  The Drinkaware Crew worked in pairs and helped those who may be vulnerable as a result of drinking too much alcohol.

A partnership, comprising Lancashire Constabulary, the Lancaster Business Improvement District (BID), Lancaster University and Lancaster City Council (assisted by Drinkaware), were looking to set up a Drinkaware Crew in the night-time economy around Lancaster City Centre. 

The four largest premises operating in the night-time economy (Hustle, Chupitos, Dalton/Glow Rooms and Sugar House) had been approached by the partnership to support the project.

It was reported that Drinkaware were tailor-making a proposal specific to Lancaster, and it was the intention of the partnership to launch the campaign as part of freshers’ week. 

Resolved:

That the report be noted.