Agenda, decisions and minutes

An apology for absence was received from County Borough Councillors K. Johnson, S. Powderhill, M. Powell and A. Rogers.

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 June 2023.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 6^th June 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 22^nd May 2023 to 20^th August 2023, together with ancillary matters arising from the responsibilities charged to the Committee.

An analysis of the TEN’s applications indicates, 49 for existing premises licenses, 93 for permitted community events and 9 from Private Members Clubs. Member were reminded that TENs were starting to arrive for The Big Welsh Bite and this has continued with more for community events such as the Annual Motorcycle Race in Aberdare, the upcoming Love Treorchy Rhondda Arts Festival along with the smaller community summer fetes and sporting events. Furthermore, two premises have utilised the TENs process to allow them to hold licensable activities while they await the outcome of their Premises License applications. In addition, this process not only helps them in allowing them to trade but also gives the Responsible Authorities an insight into how their premises would operate in the event of their applications being granted.  

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. It was reported that the current performance level for inspected premises which is at 90.15%.

Members were pleased to hear that a Treorchy pub has been offering work experience to pupils from Ysgol Hen Felin, which has been well received within the community, and duties included cleaning up, helping with deliveries, serving customers, and maintaining the plants.

Furthermore, allegations of underage sales have been received for two premises within the Rhondda area. Details forwarded to Trading Standards and South Wales Police.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services reported that due to ongoing noise complaints from residents, further monitoring has been conducted at Squares in partnership with the Environmental Health Team. In Addition, officers noted there remains an issue with noise originating from customers of Squares and details of the continuing issues will be provided within the ongoing appeal process.

Members were advised that a premises in the Talbot Green area has been the cause of several complaints in relation to music noise and Licensing Officers have been working closely with Environmental Health Officers in an attempt to alleviate the issues.  Also, the Environmental Health Pollution Team are now looking into this further.

It was reported that officers have received further complaints relating to a premises in the Llantwit Fardre area, specifically relating to the noise of patrons using the beer garden and that officers are liaising with Environmental Health Officers and monitoring exercises have been conducted.

Members learnt that a premises in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

“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 22^nd May 2023 to 20^th August 2023.  

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