Agenda and draft minutes

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24th April 2023 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

For information, disclosable pecuniary interests and registrable interests relate to entries that are included, or should be included,  on a councillor’s register of interests. Non-registrable interests relate to any other matters.

No disclosures were made.

No questions were submitted.

No questions had been submitted.

A report of the Head of Regulatory and Community Safety.

Considered, a report of the Head of Regulatory and Community Safety: Cumulative Impact Zone (Special Policy – Licensing Act 2003) (item 5 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

The Head of Regulatory and Community Safety, the Licensing Manager and PC McCaffrey (Leicestershire Police) assisted with consideration of the report.

Summary of discussion:

(i)        The proposal was to retain the existing provision.  There had been only one change to the zone previously related to the installation of the inner relief road.  The provision covered all late night venues that undertook licensable activities.

(ii)       Re: the delegation to make minor amendments proposed in recommendation 3, this had been agreed as part of previous decisions on the matter.  The type of minor amendments that might be made were briefly outlined.

(iii)      The view was expressed that other larger settlements might warrant a similar policy, with particular reference to Shepshed town centre and the increased public space resulting from recent public realm improvements.  Noted, including the evidential requirements for such policies.

RESOLVED

1.         that the proposed retention of the Special Policy Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) included within the Statement of Licensing Policy 2022-2027 attached at Appendix 1 to the report, made under the Licensing Act 2003, be approved for consultation;

2       that the continuation of the Special Policy on Cumulative Impact contained within the existing Statement of Licensing Policy be approved;

3       that, following the consultation, the Head of Regulatory and Community Safety is given delegated authority to make minor amendments and alterations to the Cumulative Impact Zone within the Statement of Licensing Policy, in consultation with the Chair of the Licensing Committee, and to submit the final version of the Policy to Full Council.

Reasons

1.         After publishing a Cumulative Zone, the licensing authority, must within three years consider whether it remains of the same opinion. The last Special Policy Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) was written in 2021.

2.         The Cumulative Impact Zone is required to be reviewed three yearly as required by the ‘Cumulative Impact Assessments’ introduced in the 2003 Act by the Policing Crime Act 2017, with effect from the 6th April 2018. After publishing a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), the licensing authority must within 3 years consider whether it remains of the same opinion as set out in the assessment.

3.         To ensure that minor changes can be made to the retention of the Special Policy Cumulative Impact Zone, within the Statement of Licensing Policy, and enable submission to Full Council in an efficient manner if only minor changes are required.

The Licensing Manager would shortly be leaving the Council.  She was thanked by the Committee for all of her work.