Agenda item

To consider the report of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager.

The Environmental Health and Licensing Manager presented the report which identified the need review the Council’s current Statement of Licensing Policy, following the legislative requirements. The report provided a draft proposal of the policy which would need to go out for a 12 week consultation. The responses of the consultation would be brought back to the Licensing Committee on the 29 October, to allow Members to consider the suggested amendments or variations received during the consultation period.

He referred Members to the timetable, outlined in the report, stating that the policy would need to be approved by January 2020. The policy contained some conditions and amendments, which had been assembled, following collaborative discussions with other Local Authorities across the whole of Devon, to ensure that there was a more consistent policy across the region.

Members were informed that Devon and Cornwall Constabulary had also submitted a request to maintain the Cumulative Impact Area in the City and had submitted statistical information to the Licensing Authority, justifying their reasoning, following legislative requirements. The Environmental Health and Licensing Manager asked for Member approval for the commencement of the 12 week consultation.

The Chair informed Members that the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary had been invited to the Licensing Committee to answer questions from Members, but had been unable to attend.

In response to questions from Members, the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager explained that:-

·         The Cumulative Impact Area was the same area and shape as the one in the existing Policy. Potential changes to the area were considered when the data was reviewed, but the data suggested that the area should remain the same;

·         The consultation process would involve writing a letter to all responsible authorities, with a link, directing them to the consultation. Other Licensees are informed, but not specifically written to and the consultation will be highlighted on the Exeter City Council website;

·         An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA), would be undertaken, following completion of the consultation and would include positive contributions to the final policy;

·         The Environmental Health and Licensing Manager highlighted that a number of positive changes in the city had taken place since the current statement of licensing policy was adopted which included, having more restaurants and a higher footfall in the city between shops closing and the commencement of the night time economy. However the Licensing Authority had concerns about crime and disorder being caused by preloading;

·         Police resources were stretched, but they couldn’t predict the demand on them. The Police would respond to different call outs, and some nights were busier than others across the region, impacting their resource allocation. Exeter is exceptionally lucky to have a dedicated group pf Police Special Constables, who had provided a great  means of support to the city in a voluntary capacity;

·         The day and night offences shown in the report, highlighting a rise in the early hours of a Sunday, would in actuality be for the late Saturday evening time period.

The Chair proposed to recommend the request of the Environmental Health and Licensing Manager, to authorise the consultation process, outlined in the report. Members voted unanimously in favour.

RESOLVED that the Licensing Committee supported the recommendation to undertake a 12 week consultation on the Statement of Licensing Policy.