The Council received the report circulated with the agenda (copy attached to the official minutes). Mr Barrow (Cabinet Member for Environment), seconded by Mr Ridd, introduced the debate.
He explained that the Licensing Act 2003 required every local Licensing Authority to publish a Statement of Policy with respect to its licensing functions every five years. The Council’s current Policy expired on 7 January 2016 and a new policy must be approved and published before the Council carried out any licensing functions under the Act.
A public consultation exercise on a draft Policy had been undertaken between 27July and 5 October 2015, responses to which were appended to the report. In consequence, some minor changes to the draft were proposed for the Council’s approval.
Mr Shaxson drew attention to response LA1 from Ballards Brewery in respect of the notice period for Temporary Event Notices. Whilst acknowledging that the 28 days notice period was a recommendation, he hoped that the minimum statutory requirements of ten or five working days would not become a default position that was used too often.
RESOLVED
That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy 2016 – 2021, incorporating the changes referred to in Appendix A, be approved and published.
RESOLVED
1)
That the draft revised Statement of Licensing Policy for the period
2016 – 2021 for Chichester District be approved for public
consultation.
2)
That the Head of Housing and Environment Services be authorised to
consider any representations arising from the consultation exercise
and, provided the representations do not require significant
amendments to the draft Policy, to recommend adoption to Full
Council on 15 December 2015 (with minor amendments if considered
appropriate) following consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Environment.
3) That the Head of Housing and Environment Services report back on adoption to the Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Committee and Cabinet in circumstances where significant amendments to the Policy are required in her opinion following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment.