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.

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 6^th February 2023.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 6^th February 2023 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 for the 16^th January 2023 to 31^st March 2023, together with ancillary matters arising from the responsibilities charged to the Committee.

An analysis of the TEN’s applications indicates, 21 for existing premises licenses, 15 for permitted community events and 18 from Private Members Clubs the number of TEN’s submitted for this period has reduced slightly following the Christmas and New Year period. Furthermore, there appears to be a trend for TEN’s to be submitted for the sale of alcohol at rugby games played in local clubs and also artisan or farmers markets selling alcohol as an off sale. In addition, a few TEN’s submitted from the late-night alcohol premises as a result of the springtime change of hours, to allow them to open for the same number of hours as usual.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services reported that since the last Committee report, there had been no contested applications and no reviews to report during this period, however, an Appeal had been lodged by the Old Post Office (Squares), Porth which is currently pending.

Members were referred to section 4.3 of the report, where the premises inspections and infringements were outlined. In total there has been 46 premises inspected throughout the Borough, some of whom have again required follow up visits due to concerns on adherence to their licence.

Members learned that the proactive work being conducted has shown an increase in the current performance level for inspected premises which is now at 89.94% compared to 90.38% during the previous reporting period, and officers are working continuously with these premises to ensure they become compliant.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services reported that Members may recall an issue outlined in a previous report, of a club in the Aberaman area causing a noise nuisance to residents which was alleviated by both Licensing and Environmental Health Officers after a monitoring exercise. Unfortunately, further complaints have been received, however, advice has been given to the club and since then there have been no further complaint.

Members learned that 2 licensed premises (1 in Cwmbach and 1 in Ynysybwl) have had a Section 19 Closure Notice issued following a breach of their CCTV condition, and these Notices have been initially complied with and will stay in place until full compliance is achieved, which an Officer will reinspect to ensure compliance.

It was reported that a pub in Aberdare rang South Wales Police reporting assistance for ‘ASK ANGELA’, which they had witnessed a male attempt to kiss a female customer making her feel uncomfortable, South Wales Police attended and asked the man to leave, which he did, although the female customer did not want to make a complaint. Furthermore, the Licensing Team

are bringing this to the attention of members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

“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 16^th January 2023 to 13^th March 2023. 

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