Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must  notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

Apologies of absence were received from County Borough Councillors D. Williams and S. Bradwick.

To note, that when Members determine the licensing and registration matters before them, they have a duty not to act in a manner that is incompatible with the convention on Human Rights and the Crime and Disorder Act.

It was RESOLVED to note that when Members determine the licensing and registration matters before them, they have a duty not to act in a manner that is incompatible with the convention on Human Rights and the Crime and Disorder Act.

To approve as an accurate record, the minutes of the Licensing Committee (Sitting in its role under the Licensing Act 2003) held on the 01.02.2022

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 1^st February 2022 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services provided the Committee with the report on relevant issues with regard to the Licensing Act 2003 and the Gambling Act 2005, together with ancillary matters arising from the responsibilities charged to the Committee.

It was reported that since the removal of the Coronavirus restrictions the number of TEN’s has steadily increased and more than doubled since the last reporting period. This increase is as a result of community events and sporting events. This was also attributed to the Jubilee events and upcoming PRIDE events.

Furthermore, an analysis of the TEN's applications indicate 37 new personal licenses that have been allocated, which will show a positive step for the industry for staff in terms of pubs and hospitality. There have been no contested applications during this period but there have been 5 reviews. Members were referred to the table on page 13 of the report pack. The Collier Arms in Penywaun and the outcome was that they had some outdated conditions to be moved and specific conditions added to their license. Chippy Plus also had their licence removed but the applicant is considering selling the premises/or considering surrendering his licence. The other review is the old post office in Porth, which is known as ‘square’. The License holders have appealed with a view for this to be held on the 1^st August. ‘Food For You’ also had their license revoked but the team have been informed that they have appeal this decision but that the appeal has not been processed yet. The other license revoke happened for Mountain Ash Stores and they have also appealed to the Courts.

Furthermore, it was reported that since the last report, one appeal was mediated between the Premises and the Responsible Authorities, removing the need for a Court hearing. The two appeals is the ‘Chippy Plus’ and ‘Squares’ and the review date for that is the 1^st August.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services referred Members the premises inspections and infringements were outlined. In total there has been 97 premises inspected throughout the Borough, a number of which have required follow up visits. These visits have primarily targeted premises that are previously non-compliant, or related to complaints. Very few inspections were conducted during the pandemic and it was

anticipated that the inspections show premises may not now be fully compliant with conditions of their licence. This has proven to be correct with many premises being determined broadly non-compliant, reasons range from minor indiscretions to major concerns such as CCTV not working and absent DP’s. This is shown in the slight decrease since last reported in the current

performance level for inspected premises which is now at 89.7%.

Officers are working continuously with these premises to ensure they become

compliant.

It was report that in relation to the number of complaints received, the alcohol industry has continued to feel the impact of the Covid pandemic,

with premises not receiving  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

“That the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act”.

It was RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded from the meeting under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 13 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

(i)  Personal Licences                                                                                                                                              

(ii) Premises Licences             

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services provided the Committee with details of licences and registrations issued during the period 17^th January to the 26^th June.  

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED to note the content of the report.