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 M. Powell and J. Turner.

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 12^th July 2022.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 12^th July 2022 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community 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.

An analysis of the TEN's applications indicate 30 new personal licenses that have been allocated and that the number of applications remain on the increase as the summer months have seen a welcome return to events in the community that we used to enjoy pre-covid epidemic. Furthermore, artisan craft markets are increasing in popularity at several venues and premises continue to be able to utilise their temporary event process where there are issues with their premises license.

The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services reported that since the last Committee report, there had been one contested application for a Variation of Premises Licence which had been refused and no appeal has been lodged. Also, there were no contested applications to report during this period, however, there are a number of appeals from Applicants at the Old Post Office (Squares), Food For You and Mountain Ash Stores which are currently pending. Furthermore, in the last report, it was reported that the appeal for Chippy Plus was pending but due to a transfer of the premises licence on the 26^th July, 2022, this appeal was then abandoned.

The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services referred Members to section 4.3 of the report, where the premises inspections and infringements were outlined. In total there has been 70 premises inspected throughout the Borough, a number of which have required follow up visits.

Members learned that the proactive work being conducted has shown an increase in the current performance level for inspected premises which is now at 90.66% compared to 89.7% during the previous reporting period and officers are working continuously with these premises to ensure they become compliant.

Members were reminded that the ‘Ask Angela’ campaign continues to be promoted among premises which is a very positive step to reassure the public that licensed premises are safe and individuals can approach staff.

The Director highlighted the importance of Pubwatch which remains strong within RCT, with meetings taking place throughout the Borough. In particular, Pontypridd pubwatch has successfully made the National Pubwatch Awards final for the second year whereby the chair of the group was invited to the House of Lords for an awards evening.

It was reported that in relation to the number of complaints received, these have continued to be problematic and the general behaviour post pandemic is a challenge for many of our communities. Furthermore, Licensing premises have their part to play in working towards licensing objectives and promoting crime and disorder objectives.

It was reported that the Safety Advisory group which is a multi-agency platform held a meeting in September to discuss events being held across the Borough to the end of 2022 and this is required to understand the nature of events  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

“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 27^th June 2022 to the 16^th October 2022.

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