Agenda item

The Director, 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.

It was reported that the number of TENs applications received have continued to rise as we saw some easing of the coronavirus regulations and an analysis of the TEN's applications indicate, 23 for existing premises licences, 42 for permitted community events and 16 from Private Members Clubs.

Furthermore, the number of applications the licensing department have had to consider has again increased since the last reporting period, jumping up from a total of 163 last report to 221 during this period, which again is a reflection of the licensing trade opening back up. Also, Personal Licence applications and a change of Designated Premises Supervisor has been particularly busy.

The Director reported that since the last Committee report, there had been one contested application for Variation of a Premises Licence but had since withdrew their application. Furthermore, there had been a review requested by South Wales Police during the period whereby the Sub-Committee determined that the license be revoked and that an appeal was pending, however, during this period, it had since been determined that the appeal was out of time and that the license is now fully revoked. Also, the Director informed the Committee that there were two further pending reviews scheduled for November 2021, which would be reported back to a future Committee.

It was also reported that since the last Committee report an Appeal from the applicant of the White Lion Hotel had been lodged and reported as pending in the last report but had since withdrawn following a transfer of a license and also a further Appeal which is currently pending.

The Director referred Members to section 4.3 of the report, where the premises inspections and infringements were outlined. Members learned that there is no change to the current performance level for inspected premises which as reported last was 91.48% and that Licensing inspections have now restarted due to officers now not being involved in coronavirus inspections.

The Director noted that since the reopening of pubs and clubs the licensing authority has seen an increase in complaints involving noise and anti-social behaviour, which was foreseen and expected due to local residents having licensed premises nearby closed for a long time throughout the Covid restricted period. Furthermore, complainants are being directed to use the ‘Noise App’ where there are noise nuisance issues so that Officers can then listen to problem and make a more informed decision on the best action.

The Director reported that the licensing team have continued their excellent partnership working with South Wales Police, with both authorities working in collaboration to resolve complaints and this relationship continues to excel and is a key tool in the way licenced premises are encouraged, advised and managed.

Furthermore, Pubwatch meetings are continuing to take place which are always useful forums to discuss local issues and raise awareness of initiatives.

Members learned that people in Wales now need an NHS Covid pass to legally enter nightclubs and large events and anyone aged over 18 will be required to show the pass to prove they are either fully vaccinated or have had a negative lateral flow test result within the last 48 hours. Also, RCT have a Covid team who are available to provide assistance and advice on this, the team will also visit premises to proactively advise.