Agenda item

Purpose: To set out the draft policy and consultation responses for discussion prior to recommending the document to Council for approval.

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4) concerning the Statement of Licensing Policy Review and Consultation. Ms Julia O’Brien introduced the report and was pleased to note the high level of responses to the consultation.

Councillor Paul Dick enquired into the Licensing Authority’s jurisdiction regarding CCTV and whether they differentiated between areas within the district. Ms O’Brien explained that West Berkshire Council (The Council) had little control over area wide CCTV. Many of the licences issued included conditions around CCTV to help prevent crime and disorder but each application was assessed on its own merits.

Councillor Dick expressed that he would like to see the addition of a consultee that represented children’s interests in future consultations on the policy and Ms O’Brien agreed and suggested the Education Board.

Councillor Martha Vickers stated that the Youth Council could be a good avenue for consultation of younger peoples’ views. She acknowledged that although CCTV infringed on residents’ privacy it did serve a purpose in preventing crime and disorder.

Councillor Nigel Foot highlighted the work carried out by organisations, such as Pub Watch, that actively worked with Thames Valley Police to help reduce disorder around pubs. Officers confirmed that they regularly attended these meetings and that reference was made to schemes of this nature in the policy.

Councillor Jane Langford argued that it was important to look at all areas of West Berkshire not just Newbury. Ms O’Brien explained that all licensing applications were looked at on their own merits, with the Licensing Sub-Committee providing further consideration, if necessary. The policy was applicable to the district as a whole.

Councillor Clive Taylor asked about the mediation process regarding applications and Ms O’Brien noted that the Council worked with potential applicants before submission and would encourage them to discuss their application with responsible authorities. Once an application was with the Council and a representation was made, the Licensing team would encourage mediation between parties via email or phone call, if necessary, the team would facilitate a meeting if there were many objectors.

Councillor Paul Kander queried as to what was meant by large scale events within paragraph 3.6 of the policy and Ms Moira Fraser explained that the definition was on the website, however it was around 500 or more attendees. Organisers would be invited to attend a meeting of the Safety Advisory Group, where the organisers would be able to discuss their event management plans with a range of attendees including Thames Valley Police, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Central Ambulance Service and Officers from Public Health, Licensing, Highways, Health and Safety, Environment Health and Emergency Planning.

Councillor Foot questioned whether the policy was a live document and Ms Fraser explained that any major amendments would have to go back through the Committee then agreed by Council, however minor changes could be made via delegated authority as proposed in the report.

Councillor Dick proposed the recommendations set out in the report and this was seconded by Councillor Foot.

The Committee RESOLVED that:

·         The Committee approve proposed amendments to the draft policy with or without modification.

·         The draft policy without modifications go to full Council.

The Committee noted the consultation responses.