Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllrs Bellows, Craze, Davis, Reilly, and J Ward.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 5 May 2021 and 15 June 2021 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 May 2021 and 15 June 2021  be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made by any Members in connection with any agenda Item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised during the Public Participation period.

To consider proposed revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy, together with proposed consultation arrangements.  

The Committee considered proposed revisions to the Statement of Licensing Policy, together with proposed consultation arrangements.

It was a legal requirement under S5 of the Licensing 2003 Act for the Licensing Authority to review its policy on a five-year basis, unless there were changes that were required mid-term. It was intended that the proposed Draft Policy would be publicised and submitted for consultation,  with responses being considered by the Committee at its meeting in November. The new Policy would cover the period 2022 to 2026.  

The statement set out the policy of the licensing authority with respect to carrying out its licensing functions for the sale of alcohol, provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment under the Act.

The licensing regime implemented by the Act and operated by New Forest District Council as licensing authority was intended to achieve the appropriate control of licensed premises, qualifying clubs and temporary events. It also covered the people who managed these premises or held personal licences within the terms of the Act.

It was suggested that an additional paragraph be added to the policy, in relation to encouraging landlords and their staff to be vigilant and aware of individuals who prey on vulnerable people in pubs and clubs, for example in relation to spiking drinks with spirits or ‘date rape drugs’. Staff should be alert and if necessary check CCTV and inform the police.  Whilst it was acknowledged that this aspect was covered in the 2003 Licensing Act by the existing licensing objectives (eg Prevention of Crime and Disorder), and elsewhere, it was felt worth highlighting this as a safeguarding issue. Accordingly, the Committee supported the inclusion of a specific reference to this issue.  

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the inclusion of the additional paragraph referred to above, the Draft Licensing Act Policy document be agreed for publication, and for the consultation period to run from 12 September 2021 to 6 November 2021.

To consider the adoption of the National Register of Taxi Licence and Revocations and Refusal.

The Committee received details of the  with information on the National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations and & Refusals (NR3) and seeks support on adoption and implementation.

Members noted that, to ensure the safety of the public, the licensing authority performed checks regarding the safety and suitability of drivers as part of the Fit and Proper person test.  Adoption of the national register NR3 would provide officers with additional information on which to base their decisions on the suitability of applicants and would reassure the public that robust assessments are in place to safeguard passengers.

In answer to a question, officers confirmed that , should a driver change their name to evade the system, adequate measures were in place to counter this issue.

RESOLVED:

That the adoption of the National Register of Taxi Licence Revocations and Refusal (NR3) be approved.

To agree the following dates of meetings 2022/23 (Friday at 9.30am)

17 June 2022

9 September 2022

4 November 2022

6 January 2023

10 March 2023

RESOLVED:

That the following dates be agreed for Committee meetings in 2022/23

(Fridays at 9.30am)

17 June 2022

9 September 2022

4 November 2022

6 January 2023

10 March 2023