Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absences were received from County Borough Councillors M. Powell, A. O. Rogers and J. Turner.

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.

RESOLVED – In accordance with the Members Code of Conduct, the following declaration of personal interests in a matter pertaining to the agenda was declared: -

County Borough Councillor G. Holmes in respect of agenda item 4, “Some of the businesses in the report are known to me”.

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 December 2023.

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 12^th December 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 27^th November 2023 to 25^th February 2024, together with ancillary matters arising from the responsibilities charged to the Committee.

An analysis of the TEN's applications indicates, 44 for existing premises          licences, 42 for permitted community events and 18 from Private Members Clubs. Members were reminded that the Christmas period was a busy time as expected for the processing of TENs across licensed Clubs and Premises but also in the wider community. Furthermore, that the retail sector often applies for extended hours and to trade on Christmas Day, Christmas fayres and sporting activities are abundant in the community while licensed premises apply to extend their hours for alcohol sales or for entertainment.  Moreover, that more than one premises utilised the TENs process to hold licensable activities while they awaited their applications for Premises Licences, and this is mutually beneficial as it allows the applicants to trade whilst allowing the Police and Environmental Health Departments an insight into how these applicants would run their premises in the future.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services reported that since the last Committee report, there had been no contested applications, no reviews and no Appeals that have been determined during this period.

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 89.25%.

It was reported that an unused building in Pontypridd potentially being utilised for a wine bar with some outdoor seating, and the applicant does not propose late hours and is planning some tapas style food.

Members were advised that the organisers of the Rhondda Arts Festival have been in contact for some advice prior to the festival taking place this summer.  Also, that this is a well-established event, and this year it is hoped that capacity will be increased to encourage more footfall through Treorchy.

Members learned that a licensed premises in the Hirwaun area has reopened under new ownership and they have enquired about an extension to the existing Premises Licence, although an application has not been submitted as yet.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services advised that a late-night refreshment business in the Llanharan area came to the Responsible Authorities for advice in applying to add the sale of alcohol as an off sale to their existing Premises Licence. Furthermore, after discussions relating to conditions, this application was submitted and granted.

It was reported that a large, licensed premises in the Treforest area contacted licensing officers for advice in relation to a few events they have planned utilising outside areas. Also, that the premises is not currently trading as they have done historically and are thinking of new ways to utilise the space, they  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

“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 November 2023 to 25^th February 2024.