Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the Minutes of meeting held on 12^th June 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on the 12^th June 2025 were signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were on items of urgent business.

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.

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. 

It was moved by Councillor Gerry Blaikie, seconded by Councillor Maria Deery and unanimously agreed:

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.

Report of the Licensing Officer

The Committee received the report of the Licensing Officer for the purpose of determining action on a dual driver’s licence (Hackney Carriage and Private Hire). Details of the individual case and the Chair’s summary of the decision are set out in Exempt Minute No.18 in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Decision of the Committee:

The decision of the Committee is set out in Exempt Minute No 18.

Report of the Licensing Officer

The Licensing Manager presented a report with provided members with the outcomes of a compliance project undertaken by Licensing Officers.

The Committee was advised that the purpose of the project was to measure and improve levels of compliance across the district in premises providing late-night refreshment, not only in meeting licence conditions of those with a premises licence but to identify businesses that were not licensed and make them aware of their legal responsibilities under the Licensing Act 2003.

It was reported that Licensing Officers had inspected 35 premises which held a premises licence for late night refreshments. 19 were found to be compliant and 16 were non-compliant. Those with minor non-compliance were provided with an inspection sheet with actions and followed up with a revisit.

The Committee was advised that 12 premises were identified as carrying out late night refreshment without a premise licence. All 12 were sent a letter and informed they must cease the sale of hot food/drink after 11pm.

It was reported that since the visits to the unlicenced premises 5 had applied and had been granted a new premises licence to carry out late night refreshment, the remainer had either cease trading after 11pm or closed.

The Committee was advised that, after completion of the visits, Officers had planned to hold a large-scale operation with responsible authorities such as the Police and Immigration. However, Licensing Officers now did not believe that such an operation was required due to being satisfied that there was a high level of compliance with premises offering late night refreshment in the district.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.