Agenda item

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 1^st April 2023 to 21^st May 2023, together with ancillary matters arising from the responsibilities charged to the Committee.

An analysis of the TEN’s applications indicates, 25 for existing premises licenses, 18 for permitted community events and 5 from Private Members Clubs. The number of TEN’s submitted for this period remains steady with a total of 48 received. Furthermore, we once again see a trend for TEN’s to be submitted for the sale of alcohol at rugby games played in local clubs selling alcohol as an off sale. In addition, there have been several events in the community and on licensed premises to mark the King’s Coronation.  Moreover, as the Summer months now approach, we are starting to receive TEN’s for outdoor festivals such as the Big Welsh Bite.

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 whereby confirmation has been received from the courts that the hearing will be relisted and that a future date for the hearing to take place will be arranged shortly.

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 now at 90.15% compared to 89.94% during the previous reporting period and officers are working continuously with these premises to ensure they become compliant.

Members learned that, unfortunately, 2 premises have / or are due to close in the Cynon area namely The Mount Pleasant Hotel in Mountain Ash which is due to close in June, and the premises is currently up for sale, and also The Cardiff Arms in Hirwaun that has closed and is up for sale.

The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services reported that on a positive note, it looks like the Glancynon in Hirwaun will be reopening again later this Summer after being closed for several years. 

Furthermore, a private members club in Cwmparc has surrendered their licence.

It was reported that a pre application meeting was held with the new owners of the premises previously known as the Lighthouse and more recently, Troopers., whereby the new owner indicated that he planned to operate as a wine bar, it is positive to see new businesses opening up.

In addition, a premises in Aberdare town centre has received a pre application meeting for an Off Licence, this meeting was a few months ago and since then it is believed the ownership has changed hands.  As such, Licensing Officers

have offered a further pre application meeting to the new owner.  Also, it appears the premises is currently operating primarily as a vape shop.

Members learned that the Licensing Team along with their colleagues from other Responsible Authorities have attended several pre application meetings recently, for Off Licences, moreover, late Night Refreshment establishments and On Licences, these meetings have been received well overall.

It was reported that the CAP (Community Alcohol Partnership) Scheme is about to relaunch in Cynon whereby the scheme is aimed at educating youths about the dangers of alcohol but also preventing the sale of alcohol to underage.  Also, the coordinator, Mel Blayney has been in touch to discuss the involvement of Licensing Officers and licensed premises in the Cynon area. 

Members were informed that the Rickards, in Treforest is another premises currently for sale, however this is still trading and is the venue for the Treforest and Rhydyfelin Pubwatch group.

Members were advised of a premises in Pontypridd town centre has been served with a Section 19 Closure Notice, due to a lack of CCTV and non-compliance with the conditions.  Also, this same premises was found to be trading over two hours after the licence authorises.  Furthermore, South Wales Police and the Licensing Authority are in discussion in relation to this premises.

Members were pleased to hear of a good news story that the King (then Prince) came to Treorchy in June last year to commemorate the town becoming the Champion High Street of Great Britain. Moreover, Adrian Emmett, owner of The Lion in Treorchy played a pivotal role in bringing the community together and led the campaign to becoming the Champion High Street. Furthermore, in recognition of his efforts and his ongoing leadership role within the community he was invited to The Kings first Garden Party on Wednesday 3rd May.

Members were reminded there are several Pubwatch meetings attended throughout the Borough and Licensing Officers from both Local Authority and South Wales Police attend as invited guests.  Additionally, most Pubwatch groups are well attended and run with assistance from the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) and various BID groups. 

Furthermore, Mike Jacklin has been a director of the BCRP for many years, and part of his role was to Co-Ordinate the Pubwatch meetings, Mr Jacklin retired in March this year. Also, a new Pubwatch Co-Ordinator has been appointed and a meeting has been arranged with various parties to discuss new ways of working for the future.

It was reported that the RCTCBC CCTV team have been attending meeting across the County Borough to offer advice and guidance in relation to Radionet and CCTV issues.

In terms of the recovery of annual fees, Members were advised that the authority has a very robust process to ensure payment is received and will take action such as suspension where necessary, and that several premises have had their licence suspended during this period, which has triggered a reaction and payment from the premises resulting in the suspension being lifted. Moreover, because of the static nature of the trade, there is little change to the position, where 100% recovery of annual fees is the standard, primarily due to the robust provisions contained within the legislation which allow for withdrawal of the licence/permit for non-payment of appropriate fees.

Permits The Head of Service for Public Protection and Regulatory Services

referred Members to section 5.1 of the report and provided them with an

update in terms of the Gambling Act 2005.

Furthermore, Members were provided a summary of existing permissions in relation to Trade profile Gambling.

Moreover, Members learned that because of the static nature of the trade, there is little change to the position, where 100% recovery of annual fees is the standard, primarily due to the robust provisions contained within the legislation which allow for withdrawal of the licence/permit for non-payment of appropriate fees.