Agenda and minutes

A minutes silence was held in memory of Councillor David Watts.

Councillors Barbara Nathan (Chair) and Mike Nathan submitted apologies.

In the Chairs absence Councillor Jacqui Mort (Vice-Chair) chaired the meeting.

Minutes of the last meeting held on Tuesday, 11 September 2018 attached to be signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

The minutes of the General Licensing Committee meeting held on 11 September 2018 were confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were no declarations of any interests.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Head of Licensing presented a report that provided information to Members on the Licensing Activity that had taken place in September and October 2018. The activity included applications received, enforcement checks and referrals to partner agencies.

Members were updated on an Alcohol test purchasing exercise that was conducted with the Police on the 25 October 2018. Only one premises failed out of the 111 premises tested. Information was provided regarding an underage test purchasing exercise relating to Gaming Machines, the Council was the first authority in Lancashire to conduct this type of testing which has led to Gambling Commissioning work with other Lancashire Authorities and the initiation of a National Campaign.

The Head of Licensing updated Members on the launch of the Award for Personal License holder’s course, the initial uptake had been slow with some concerns over the Firmstep system being difficult to use. Councillor Ken Jones commented that he had attended the Personal License course and had found the session very valuable to his role and recommended other Members to attend.

Members were also updated on the new Pubwatch scheme and following a meeting on the 15 November 2018, a Chair and new Vice Chair had now been appointed.

The Head of Licensing updated Members on the Licensing Teams Action Log and how this was progressing. The annual review of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Vehicle Licensing Policy had not yet started however, the target date is March 2019 and could roll into the next Financial Year.

Members discussed the introduction of a Sex Establishment Policy and the vetting of call handlers and calls.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

1.    That the report was noted.

2.    That a Sex Establishment Policy be developed.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Head of Licensing presented a report that sought approval from Members to bring the Taxi Qualification Training in house. The report also sought confirmation of an agreed fee.

It was explained that the course would encompass as many aspects as possible as the BTEC Level 2 Qualification with both theory based work sessions and a trainer will conduct a one hour classroom based work session and a number of practical training and assessment elements included.

A qualified assessor would assist with the training and a vehicle has been sourced for the practical element of the course by two local taxi firms. For the course to be financially viable a minimum of six delegates would be needed at a cost of £150 per delegate.

Members discussed the possibility of increasing the fee if the number of applicants reduced and it was agreed that some thought needed to be given to differential rates.

A member of the Taxi Trade asked the Head of Licensing if it was possible for the course to be tailored to the individual needs of drivers as the recruitment of new drivers to his company was taking a significant amount of time. He also expressed some concern about information that had been provided to him over the telephone by the Gateway Department regarding how to obtain a Taxi License. 

It was explained by the Head of Licensing that tailoring the course to the individual drivers needs would not be possible however, the dates as to when the courses would be run could be looked at in consultation with the Trade so that they could manage the timing of recruitment more effectively.

A copy of the BTEC Level 2 syllabus and proposed content for the Council run course was appended to the report for Members information.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

1.    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Licensing to determine the fee to be charged.

2.    The report was noted.

Report of the Head of Licensing attached.

The Committee considered a report of the Head of Licensing that sought approval of the revised statement of Gambling Policy following consultation that would be referred to Full Council on 5 December 2018 for adoption.

The Head of Licensing updated the Committee reporting on a formal response received by Lancashire County Councils Public Health Team that had provided recommendations in relation to areas where there is high levels of deprivation. South Ribble is reported as being one of the lower risk areas in Lancashire. There was just one area ‘Broadfield’ that was high and considered at risk. 

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

1.    That the report be noted.

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Licensing to amend the Policy in light of any Members suggestions before submitting to Council of 5 December 2018 for approval.