Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 8 October 2020 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the Licensing Committee meeting held on 8 October 2020 were agreed as a correct record.  The Chair confirmed that the minute book would be signed when it became available

There were no items of urgent business authorised by the Chair.

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

Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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.

Report of the Licensing Manager – (report withdrawn)

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Licensing Manager presented a report to update the Committee in respect of the work undertaken by the Licensing and Public Protection services during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Licensing Manager advised that the Food and Licensing Teams had worked closely with businesses to provide guidance on the introduction of new trading restrictions and on how to operate safely and legally.

The Committee was updated on the range of advice and support services being offered to businesses and that this was beyond the conventional relationship between businesses and the public protection services due to the unprecedented challenges being faced by businesses and the public. There had also been several changes in private hire and taxi licencing procedure to reduce one to one contact and to relax standards to allow business and services to continue to operate.

It was noted that since publication of the report Lancaster and Morecambe College had closed due to further Covid-19 related restrictions, and that this would affect new driver training programmes and subsequent new driver applications. However, this would only affect a small number of driver applicants.

The Licensing Manager reported that the food and licensing teams had conducted many advice visits, compliance checks and had taken enforcement action when necessary. Since July the 4th 2020, when pubs and restaurants had reopened, the team had conducted approximately 1,500 compliance visits to premises. The approach across the licensing and food teams had generally received support and thanks from businesses.

The Committee was also advised on the Covid Safe Award Scheme which had been developed by Lancaster City Council to help provide public assurance that it was safe to return to the high street shops. The Lancaster scheme was the first scheme to be launched by a Local Authority and had received national recognition from the Government as an example of good practice. Over 100 businesses had already been awarded the Covid Safe Award.

Resolved:

(1)            That the report be noted.

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item: 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the ground that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Councillors are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public.  In making the decision, Councillors should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion, Councillors should also be mindful of the advice of Council officers. 

The Chair advised Members that it had been recommended to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information.

It was moved by Councillor Dennison and seconded by Councillor Parr:

“That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

No dissent was indicated to the proposal to exclude the press and public.

Resolved:

That, in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The ’Live Teams’ meeting concluded at this point and the Committee reconvened in a private Teams meeting to consider the exempt item.

Report of the Licensing Manager

The Committee received the report of the Licensing Manager for the purpose of determining an application for the renewal of a dual driver’s licence.

Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No. 39 in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

That based on the Licensing Manager’s report and the applicant’s representation, the Committee resolves that the renewal of the dual driver’s licence, as set out in the exempt minute, be refused.