Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 25, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals against refusal of inspection of documents in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of those parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items submitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration, however a risk assessment concerning the protection of children from viewing films which are unsuitable for their age group was circulated to Members as part of agenda item 7 (Minute 25 refers).

To declare any personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct

There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Downes, Dunn, G Hyde, and Selby.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 26^th July 2011 as a correct record

(copy attached)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th July 2011 be agreed as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration advising Members of the progress of the multi agency meetings and the Event Management Plan in respect of the Leeds Festival 2011, due to be held within the grounds of Bramham Park, Wetherby, during the August Bank Holiday weekend

(report attached)

The Principal Licensing Officer presented a report of the Head of Licensing and Registration, advising Members of the progress of the multi-agency meetings and the Event Management Plan in respect of the Leeds Festival 2011, due to be held within the grounds of Bramham Park, Wetherby, during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Members raised concerns regarding the content of some films that were due to be shown at the festival, which had been considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee at its meeting held on 8^th August 2011. The Licensing Sub-Committee had raised the classification of several films, and one film was refused certification on the grounds of gratuitous violence, criminal acts, and unprovoked attacks on passers-by. Members expressed their disappointment that the festival organisers had proposed to show such films, particularly in light of the riots which had recently taken place in various cities across England.

Officers had discussed Members’ views with Mr Melvin Benn (the Premises Licence Holder), who also expressed disappointment with the content of some of the films. On this occasion the films had been selected and presented directly by the film company, but in future Mr Benn will manage this aspect more closely. It was also confirmed that this issue would be raised as part of the festival de-brief meeting. A risk assessment had been prepared by Festival Republic, outlining how children would be protected from viewing performances which are unsuitable for their age group. A copy was provided to Members at the meeting.

Members also discussed:

·  it was noted that the event had not reached maximum capacity although ticket sales will be available on the day/s;

·  ways in which children would be protected from harm at the festival;

·  the improved way in which the festival has been managed over the last few years; and

·  a complaint that Councillor Wilkinson had received from a Wetherby resident regarding the level of noise generated by the festival. The Principal Licensing Officer was asked to raise this with Mr Benn and ask him to respond to the resident.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Licensing and Registration to approve the Event Management Plan and any minor amendments prior to the start of the event; and

(b)  That the Principal Licensing Officer be requested to raise the complaint received by Councillor Wilkinson with Mr Benn, and ask him to respond.

To note the contents of the Licensing Work Programme for the remainder of the 2011/12 Municipal Year

(schedule attached)

The Chair reported that the Work Programme was subject to change, depending on when representatives of West Yorkshire Police would be available to attend, and that Members would be informed of any changes.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the Work Programme be noted.

To note the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 13^th September 2011 at 10.00 am

RESOLVED – To note the date and time of the next meeting as Tuesday 13^th September 2011 at 10.00am.